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The Covenant Orientation Weekend Manual v2011 PDF
The Covenant Orientation Weekend Manual v2011 PDF
Covenant Orientation
Weekend
Manual v.2011
1. Familiarize SFCs with their covenant as Singles for Christ and lead them to commit to
fulfilling this in their day-to-day lives
2. Lead SFCs to desire a deeper relationship with God through a committed prayer life,
Scripture reading, and receiving of the Sacraments
3. Inspire participants to live out their calling as SFCs in their family, workplace, and in
community despite challenges and difficulties
4. Introduce participants to the culture of Singles for Christ and inspire them to make this a
way of life
5. Empower SFCs to begin to live out the SFC vision and mission.
The Sessions
The CO Weekend consists of 7 sessions:
Session 1: Our Covenant and the Mission and Vision of SFC. This session introduces them to
what the covenant of SFC requires of them and how this will help them have a deeper
relationship with God and work towards fulfilling the SFC vision and mission. This session hopes
to inspire the participants to have a sense of ownership of the SFC vision and mission that they
may be led to desire to make it happen in their own lives and in the lives of others.
Session 2: Prayer, Scripture and Sacraments. Life in SFC is first and foremost a loving
relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. This talk emphasizes the importance of prayer,
Scripture reading, and the sacraments in nurturing and deepening this relationship.
Session 3: Strengthening Family Life. Before we are members of SFC we are members of our
families: sons and daughters to our parents, brothers and sisters to our siblings. This session
stresses on the value of being an instrument of love, unity, and harmony in the family for the
home is our first area of evangelization.
Session 4: The Culture of Singles for Christ. Being in Singles for Christ entails a certain way of
life, centered on the Lord, in relationship with brothers and sisters with whom we journey
together towards holiness. This session familiarizes the participants to the SFC lifestyle and the
values we uphold.
Session 5: Being a Christian in the Workplace. The workplace is oftentimes the most difficult
place to evangelize or witness to others, but as Singles for Christ we strive for unity of life. This
session shows it is possible to live out our Christian values and still be excellent workers and
leaders in our chosen fields.
Session 6: Financial Stewardship. Our being in community makes us stewards of both our
material resources and of God’s work of evangelization and mission, to which our ministry is
called. This session explains the importance of tithing and empowers SFCs on how they can be
good stewards of the resources given to them by God in very practical and relevant terms.
Session 7: Loving and Serving the Poor. Our life in Singles for Christ will not be complete if we
are not able to embrace our mission of Building the Church of the Poor. This session helps the
participants realize why loving and serving the poor is not only a duty but a privilege and a
source of blessing.
The Team
The team comprises of a Team Leader, Servants, Facilitators, Music Ministry, and Logistics.
Although they may be familiar with the contents of the talks, the service team members,
especially the Team Leader, should go over the outlines, know them by heart, and be ready to
answer questions from the participants if necessary.
Discernment of speakers, although speaker profiles are provided in each session’s outline,
should be done prayerfully. Speakers should be given enough time to prepare for the talks.
Facilitators moderate the group activities and group sharing. They also make themselves
available to the participants in case they have questions or concerns.
The Dynamics
Although some activities are suggested in this manual, the team may modify these based on the
needs of their participants and in consultation with their SFC elders in their area. Sufficient
time should be allotted for personal reflection and group discussion.
Although the retreat is intended for a 2- or 3-day weekend, the schedule may also be modified
to suit the specific situations of the area (e.g., conducted as 2 whole days on separate
weekends). The leaders must make sure though, that the participants are able to attend all 7
talks.
The Schedule
Recommended Three-Day Retreat Schedule
(May also be modified to fit a two-day schedule beginning early Saturday morning and ending Sunday
lunch time. Saturday will cover Sessions 1 to 5; Sunday will be for Sessions 6 and 7. Sharing portion
after praisefest on Sunday may be omitted for the two-day schedule.)
Day 2: Saturday
6:00 - 7:00 A.M. Wash-up and Personal Prayer Time
7:00 - 8:00 Breakfast
8:00 - 8:30 Singing Practice
8:30 - 9:00 Worship
9:00 - 9:45 Session 2: Prayer, Scripture, and Sacraments
9:45 - 10:15 Personal Reflection
10:15 - 10:45 Break
10:45 - 11:30 Session 3: Strengthening Family Life
11:30 – 12:00 Group Activity: Family Dynamics
12:00- 1:30 P.M Lunch and Rest
1:30 - 2:00 Singing Practice and Afternoon Praise
2:00 - 2:45 Session 4: Our Christian Culture in Singles for Christ
2:45 - 3:30 Group Activity: Cultural Fashion Show
3:30- 4:00 Break
4:00 - 4:45 Session 5: Being a Christian in the Workplace
4:45 - 5:15 Activity: Small Group Sharing
5:15 - 6:00 Lord’s Day Preparations
6:00 - 7:30 Lord’s Day and Supper
7:30 - 8:00 Gathering/Teaching of Songs
8:00 - 8:45 Session 6: Financial Stewardship
8:45- 9:15 Activity: Pie Chart
9:15- Lights Out! Good Night.
TALK No. 1: Our Covenant and the Vision & Mission of SFC
Objectives:
• Develop an understanding of what the SFC covenant is, why it is important and how this
applies to their personal life
• Strengthen the SFC members’ desire to deepen their relationship with God through the
Singles For Christ Covenant
• Lead the members to have a sense of ownership of the SFC Vision and Mission and desire to
make it a reality
Speaker’s Profile:
An SFC leader who lives out the SFC covenant in the different aspects of his/her life; someone
passionate about fulfilling the SFC vision and mission
Speaker’s Outline
I. INTRODUCTION
A. What is a covenant?
1. A covenant is a solemn agreement between parties through which they commit
themselves to certain relationships, tasks, obligations or ways of living.
2. In the time of the Old Testament, a covenant was a treaty not between equals,
but between a greater or more powerful person (or group of people, tribe) and a
lesser, less powerful person (or group). It was usually the more powerful person
who initiated the covenant.
3. In the New Testament, Jesus restores the covenant to its original meaning of
being a relationship based on love and forgiveness between God and His people,
rather than merely following countless rules and rituals. He summarizes the 10
commandments into the 2 greatest commandments, love of God and love of
neighbor. These commandments allow us to respond to God in love.
2. Our covenant is not a set of rules that we should follow in order to remain active
members of SFC, or in order to earn God’s love and forgiveness. Rather, as God
intended in His covenant with His people, they are our way of responding to
God’s love for us by striving to grow in our relationship with Him and with one
another, and make Him known by all.
b. We are to live our lives in loving service to God and to one another.
B. What does the SFC covenant ask of me? How have I begun or am I beginning to live
out this covenant since the time I graduated from the CLP? (Refer to the SFC
Covenant at the end of this outline.)
1. In my personal relationship with God – the SFC covenant includes devoting time
for communicating with God through a deeper prayer, scripture, and
sacramental life. It goes to follow that this must reflect in my private and family
life, as I stive to live in righteousness, not living a double life but one consistent
with what the Lord teaches us.
a. Have I scheduled a daily prayer and scripture reading time?
b. Do I pray regularly as scheduled?
Covenant Orientation Weekend v.2011 Page 8
Stage 1 Formation
2. My family and work life – the SFC covenant asks me to bring the Lord and His
message of love wherever I am (family, work, society) and that I use my
resources responsibly and for God’s glory.
a. How have I begun to witness in my family and my workplace?
b. Do I contribute to the unity in our family?
c. Do I do my best in my work?
d. Do I use the resources (financial an otherwise) given to me responsibly?
3. My life as a member of the SFC Community – the covenant unites me with the
rest of the members of SFC in that it allows me to be a faithful and caring
member and at the same time a brother/sister to others.
a. Do I attend the weekly household meetings, monthly chapter prayer
assemblies and other SFC gatherings? This is an important element of my
life in SFC which I must begin to give priority to.
b. Am I punctual in all meetings?
c. Do I intercede for my brothers and sisters in the community?
d. Am I critical about the life and order of the body?
4. My service – the SFC covenant asks that I allow myself to be used by the Lord for
His mission, in whatever way I may be called to serve. This makes me a part in
allowing God to do His work through SFC.
a. Have I invited anyone or told anyone about SFC?
b. Have I been asked to serve, even through simple tasks, in any SFC
activity? Do I accept these assignments with a joyful heart?
c. Am I open to supporting the work of CFC-SFC with my finances? (More on
this in the succeeding talks.)
d. Am I aware of the work of Couples for Christ and its other ministries? Am
I open to supporting them?
5. My growth as a Christian person – the SFC covenant asks that I take seriously my
formation as a Christian through the various avenues for formation that SFC
provides. In this way I will grow in my love for God and for others.
a. Have I attended any teachings, retreats, and conferences of SFC since I
became a member? Am I willing to invest my time and resources on
these formation activities?
b. Do I practice what I learn in all the teachings, retreats, and conferences?
c. Do I seek to be formed? Am I willing to be formed in this ministry?
d. Do I seek to be holy? Do I desire to be holy?
life: in our spiritual life, our family, our workplace, in the SFC community, even
in the way we handle our finances and serve the poor.
C. As members of SFC, we are encouraged to accept the NEW life the Lord is offering us
and to use the SFC Covenant as a tool that will help us take care of this NEW life.
D. The Lord is asking us to decide to make the SFC Covenant our “personal” covenant
agreement with HIM.
E. The SFC Covenant reminds and guides us in our journey towards the fulfillment of
the SFC Vision and Mission. At the end of the day, we are to live our lives with the
pursuit of the SFC Vision as the ultimate goal and with the SFC Mission as our
means.
The SFC vision was re-stated and unveiled to the general membership in the 16th
SFC International Conference in 2008 in Cebu City, Philippines. It is important
that as SFCs we understand this vision and that we desire to make it happen in
our personal lives and in the lives of others. The following describes the
meaning of each word and phrase in the re-stated SFC vision.
1. EVERY
a. The call to Christ is not exclusive only to certain groups (e.g. not only to
Christians, Catholics, or members of renewal groups).
c. The desire to include all people must be rooted in a genuine desire for
everyone to experience Christ and in the belief that everyone deserves to
experience Christ.
i. We have to believe that Christ can transform anyone and
everyone (e.g., Saul converted to become St. Paul the Evangelist)
ii. We have to believe that it is not too late for anyone to come to
Christ (e.g. the thief in Calvary)
d. We believe that the world can be united in Christ. We are united under
one God.
i. Before we think about the world, we know that Christ can bring
reconciliation and unite our families, other communities, broken
friendships and relationships.
ii. We must adopt the spirit of humility that Christ loves all people
equally and that no one is favored more than another or is
unworthy of being included in God’s Kingdom. If this is the spirit,
we can sincerely picture being united under Christ.
2. SINGLE.
a. Our ministry’s primary focus in on the single person by helping him/her
experience Christ, but we believe that everyone around us should be
experiencing Christ through us.
c. Single: Each and every person we interact with, touch, and can influence
i. Our experience of Christ leads us to be Christ experiences to
everyone we are around (i.e,,it is wrong for us to claim to be
experiencing Christ when others around us do not experience
Christ through us)
5. EXPERIENCING CHRIST.
a. We are part of an active and ongoing experience of Christ that leads to
transformation, service, and the pursuit of holiness.
b. Experience vs. Experiencing: God wants us to be experiencing Him
through Jesus Christ
i. “Experience” is a one-time occurrence.
ii. “Experiencing” is a continuous experience.
iii. This is what God wants for us--a relationship that is an ongoing
experience of His love.
c. Experiencing God’s love through Jesus Christ leads us to transformation
i. Our lives are a happy response to God’s immense love for us
• The reason behind our actions (going to household, serving in
Ancop and the Social Ministries, loving others even if it is
difficult and inconvenient, etc.) is love for God.
ii. We are compelled to share and proclaim God to others through
both word and witness
• It is not merely giving talks or quoting Scripture but a life that
reflects God working in us
• It is living out our faith
The SFC mission is taken from the mission of Couples for Christ. This is the
expression of the Mission in the SFC Ministry.
We are FOR Christ and we live like the Apostles as His disciples in the present day
(empowered and led by the Holy Spirit to passionately and unceasingly proclaim
Christ to all nations, establishing a brotherhood of love and sharing, and serving the
poor, the captives, the blind, and oppressed). The totality of our lives is a reflection
of Christ.
V. CONCLUSION
What is the Lord telling us?
• The SFC Covenant is a reminder of our commitment to the Lord in our loving
relationship with Him. Our faithfulness to this covenant will prepare and enable
us to pursue our ultimate goal, which is to live out the SFC Vision in our lives with
the SFC Mission as the means to achieve this.
Reflection Questions
1. Am I ready to commit to having a loving relationship with the Lord through SFC?
2. What specific action steps will I take to deepen my relationship with the Lord?
3. What does the SFC vision mean to me?
4. What is the SFC vision requiring of me?
5. How can I begin to live out the SFC vision in my own life?
II. I will work towards the evangelization and transformation of my work place, my family
and my community.
Put good order in my work situation.
Be a witness of the love and power of the Lord Jesus in my work and in my family.
Be a good steward of all resources entrusted to me.
Be a good citizen of my country, obeying its laws and protecting its environment.
III. I will be a committed and active member of the CFC Singles for Christ.
Attend my small group meetings regularly and support the good order of the
meetings.
Faithfully participate in all the activities of the group.
Relate in love, loyalty to and respect for all my brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Interceded daily for the group and its mission.
May the Lord Jesus Christ help me to be faithful in living out this commitment every day for His
greater honor and glory and for the good of my brothers and sisters.
______________________________
Signature
Speaker’s Profile
Someone who can share the joy of having a deep and intimate prayer life, his/her experiences
in knowing and hearing the Lord speak through His word in Scripture, and how the sacraments
have helped him/her in his faith journey.
Speaker’s Outline
I. Introduction
A. Prayer, scripture and sacraments are crucial tools to growth in the Christian life.
B. We grow in our relationship with God by communicating directly with Him (through
Prayer), by studying His word (through regular reading of the Scriptures) and by
encountering Him (through the sacraments).
C. Prayer, scripture, and sacraments draw us closer to God and help us to understand
His will for us.
D. In SFC, we commit to a daily personal prayer time, to a daily reading of the Bible and
to regular participation in the sacraments. These are an integral and essential part
of our being a single FOR Christ.
II. Prayer
Prayer is a form of communication, a means of talking to God. As SFCs, we need to have
a daily personal prayer time.
b. Attending mass daily, praying the Rosary, reciting novenas are important in
helping us grow in our prayer life but we also need to nurture a personal
prayer time, a time set aside to dialogue with God and just be in His
presence.
c. Prayer is more than knowing and reciting prayers, more than asking God to
answer our heart’s desires. It is about communicating with Him and getting
to know His heart and mind, and falling more deeply in love with God.
2. To grow in humility.
a. Bowing before the Lord in prayer is acknowledging our littleness before Him
and expressing to Him our gratitude for His mercy and love despite our
unfaithfulness. This allows us to humble ourselves before Him and recognize
His greatness.
b. Every day, we need to go before the Lord with our sins and failures, and
restore our relationship with Him. We are unworthy but we are forgiven
through Jesus’ blood.
d. When we increase in our humility, we are more able to resist the devil who
seeks to feed on our pride.
e. The more time we spend in prayer with God, we grow in humility, and we are
able to hear God’s voice. For one who is proud and who is so full of himself
will certainly find it difficult to hear the voice of Someone greater than
himself.
b. Remember that seven days without prayer makes one weak Prayer is our
main weapon in the fight against evil.
c. When we pray, our whole being is protected from the devil. If we lose one
day of prayer, we let our guard down and become less vigilant.
a. Regular prayer helps us become more attuned to God’s voice and His
direction. It helps us understand who He is in our lives and what He wants
for us.
b. The more we go deeply in our prayer life, and the deeper our relationship
with God, the more we are able to surrender ourselves completely to Him.
We soon reach the point that we no longer seek to have Him do what we
desire but rather we seek to desire what He wants for us.
3. Find a place where you will not be distracted. If you can have the chance to pray
in front of the Blessed Sacrament, try to do so.
a. Techniques, like ACTS, are good, as long as we are not locked into them.
c. The goal is not to “pray well,” but to enter into communion with God. It’s not
what we can do for God; it’s what God can do for us when we put our trust in
Him.
c. Dryness.
i. Spiritual dryness in prayer and Christian life happens.
ii. It might come from God. He seeks to find out if our faithfulness
comes from the consolation we experience in prayer or from being in
His presence.
iii. Therefore, we need to persevere in prayer during periods of dryness.
Prayer is a commitment, not an emotional experience.
B. We can incorporate our Bible reading into our daily personal prayer time.
1. It could assist us in hearing God’s voice and what messages He wants to share
with us, where He wants to lead us.
2. A useful tool is to use a scripture-based daily prayer guide like “In His Steps”.
3. When we understand God and the Truths that He teaches us, we are able to
fight the lies the devil spreads around us.
IV. Sacraments
A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. There are seven
sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick,
Matrimony and Holy Orders.
a. CCC 1384: The Lord addresses an invitation to us, urging us to receive Him in
the sacrament of the Eucharist: “Truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh
of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” Jn:6:53
c. When we celebrate Holy Mass and receive Jesus through the Eucharist, we
become more like Him and obtain God’s favor.
d. “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink
his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood
has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real
food, and my blood is real drink. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood
abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of
the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me. This is the bread which
came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats
this bread will live forever" (John 6:53–58)
2. Sacrament of Reconciliation
a. When we sin, we are unable to see God. It is our pride that inhibits us from
asking forgiveness.
b. God wants us to be reconciled with Him so we receive the fullness of His
sanctifying grace.
c. The sacrament of Reconciliation restores to us the merits of our past good
works if these have been lost by mortal sin.
d. The sacrament of reconciliation fortifies us against a relapse into sin.
V. Conclusion
A. Having a regular prayer and Scripture reading time, as well as living a Sacramental
life, helps us remain faithful to the Lord.
B. When we nurture our prayer time, our Christian lives will be filled with power, peace
and we will be able to follow more closely God’s direction for our lives.
C. When we pray and read the Bible, we tap into God’s mind and heart, which gives us
knowledge. This knowledge helps us overcome life’s struggles.
D. Prayer, Scripture, and the Sacraments are our weapons against the devil who will try
to sidetrack us from our desire to follow God. Our lives will be enriched and our
faith in God grows stronger when we are consistent in developing an intimate
relationship with Him.
E. God gave us these three tools to draw us closer to Him that He may sustain us in our
spiritual journey.
Reflection Questions
1. What makes it difficult for me to have a consistent prayer and Scripture reading time?
2. What inhibits me from participating in the sacraments (Holy Eucharist and Confession)
regularly?
3. What will I commit to do to develop a relationship with God?
Objectives:
1. Develop an understanding of the importance of a solid, Christ-centered family life
2. Empower SFCs to be a source of unity and harmony in their families
3. Move SFCs to desire to bring the love of Christ in their families and lead their families to
Christ
Speaker’s Profile:
Someone who can inspire others with his/her family life, possibly someone whose family
members are also in community; one who can explain clearly the importance and the Church’s
view of the family.
Speaker’s Outline
I. Introduction: The Catholic Church’s View of the Family
To gain a greater appreciation of the importance of family, we need to be made aware of
the Church’s view of the family’s role especially in the world today. In his 1981 Apostolic
Exhortation, Familiaris Consortio (FC) “On The Christian Family in the Modern World”, Pope
John Paul II lists four general tasks of the family. As members of our own family and of the
community of Singles For Christ, we also have a duty to take up, commit to and apply in our
own lives these tasks.
2. It is founded on and given life by love, consisting of a husband and wife, of parents,
of children, of relatives. This love becomes the soul of the community of marriage
and family, which sustains and leads the family to an even deeper communion with
each other. It translates into mutual service every day, and a sharing of each other.
3. In situations of conflict, the Church calls on the family to practice a great spirit of
sacrifice, which requires from each family member an openness to understanding,
forgiveness and reconciliation. This spirit of sacrifice is a reflection of the sacraments
of Reconciliation (the family’s unity is restored when we choose to lower our pride
and take steps to resolve conflict and reconcile feuding members of our family); and
the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (where Christ continues to offer us His Body and
Blood, and shows us God’s infinite love for us).
4. The roles of father and mother, husband and wife complement each other. They are
not simply functionally interchangeable. Even within families where spouses are
separated or are away from their family, the need for fathers and mothers to
develop character in their children and to nurture their spiritual growth remains.
5. As a member of our family, we, Singles for Christ, have a specific calling to
contribute to the growth in virtue of our siblings and to deepen our parents’
understanding of who we are called to be. We have our own special individual
vocation within our own family community of love and life.
B. To Serve Life
1. More than ever, God calls for us to be brave enough to stand up for Him and what
He stands for, starting with our own family. As members of Singles for Christ we
stand for:
a. the dignity and sanctity of every human life, from conception to natural
death;
b. God’s design of our sexuality as male and female created in His image and
likeness;
c. the sacredness of marriage and our participation in building the Christian
family; and
d. our freedom to practice our family and life values based on our Catholic
faith.
2. In our families, we are responsible for each other, and so we must strive to assist
our parents in educating our siblings and showing them by example how we live out
such a lifestyle.
b. We value our bodies as a temple of the Holy Spirit – that our bodies do not
exist only for pure individual physical pleasure but to be God’s vessels in
creating and preserving life. We encourage our families to be advocates of
living a Pure and Free Lifestyle: free of drugs and other addictive substances
and by living a life of chastity.
1. Being the first community we are exposed to, the family environment is where we
first learn from our parents how to deal with people around us with respect, justice,
dialogue and love. It is where we learn to distinguish right and wrong behaviour.
The way we were taught in the home is a reflection of how we carry ourselves
outside of the home.
2. These are the same values we bring to the society outside our families. This will
include our work places, our social networks, and our community. These are the
values we use when we relate with our employers, our subordinates, our co-
employees, our friends and all the other people we come into contact with..
3. On the other hand, as we are faced faced with a society that is becoming more
depersonalised and dehumanised with various forms of escapism such as drugs,
alcohol, and even terrorism, the family can continue to instil and remind one other
of his own personal dignity, humanity and uniqueness that would strengthen him
amidst such an envorinment.
4. What we learn from our community Singles for Christ, we can also share with our
own family. Walk the talk at home – just like what we share during households, in
the way we serve and treat brothers and sisters in the community, how willing we
are to make time for people in the community and its activities. If anything, with
CFC and its family ministries being focused on family renewal and building a Church
of the Home, our life as an SFC would be able to help us become a uniting factor in
our family and in other social groups we belong to.
2. The sacrament of marriage takes up the task of defending and spreading the faith in
their family, just as we are all tasked to do from Baptism and Confirmation.
3. As a member of a family, we are also called to contribute and play a significant role
in this mission. The best thing we can do to bring members of our family closer to
God is to pray – it expresses our dependence upon God, it expresses our love for our
family, it expresses our desire for them to be saved which is also God’s desire. God
can do it and will do it if he wants.
4. If a member of our family does not have the faith or does not practice it with
consistency, we can also be lliving witnesses of our own faith by encouraging and
supporting the family member along the path towards the acceptance of Jesus as
our saviour. “The Church of the Home is called to be a luminous sign of Christ’s
presence and his love for those who no longer live in accordance with faith that they
once received.” (FC)
As Singles, we are in a unique situation with regard to our time. We have more time than
we will ever have! Being single for our families means:
2. A time to serve our parents to repay the kindness of parenthood, e.g. footing some
bills, take them out occasionally, simple gifts, spend time with them as well as our
siblings and extended family, keep in touch, take charge of health concerns
especially when there is a serious condition or illness in the family.
2. Share our stories of victories and trials with our siblings and whatever we are going
through.
2. Share with them how we respond to challenges and how we deal with things
through what we learn. In this way, we also affirm to our parents that they have
raised us well.
E. A time to share in adult decisions and let your voice be heard during family discussions
1. If applicable, introduce our family members to our love interest. Once that person is
exposed to our family, it’s an invitation for them to welcome and bring the person
into the family. But if something happens, the family can be our wall of support.
2. Share with the family the deliberate and serious life-changing decisions on where we
want our life to head. Share the goals we set for ourselves.
III. Conclusion
• John Paul II: “The future of humanity passes by way of the family.” (FC)
• We will always end up with family: the family we come from, and the family we will
build in whichever vocation we choose to go into.
• Being more aware of the role of families in today’s world, let us make the most of the
time we have now while we are Single to prepare ourselves for when we build a family
of our own. There is no better way of preparation than committing ourselves to God, to
loving our own parents, siblings and extended family, and to all the existing bonds of
friendships and relationships we have outside the boundaries of our smaller family
community, including SFC.
• Let’s take it one step at a time – with God, this vision is possible! For our part, let’s start
in our own homes, as a vital ingredient to the life of our family.
References:
Familiaris Consortio (John Paul II, 1981)
Catechism of the Catholic Church (2000)
Love, marriage and Family (Chris and Mary Clare Meney)
Christian Courtship in an Oversexed World: A Guide For Catholics (T.G. Morrow)
Form groups of 4 to 5 members, consisting of at least 2 males and 2 females per group. Assign
males to stand as father or brother in the group, and females as mother or sister in the group.
Extra males or females can play other roles as needed (grandparents, other relatives).
Each person in the group takes turns choosing one family member in the group he/she would
like to address. He/She will then talk to this family member as if this were her own parent or
sibling (or other relative) and express to him/her things that he/she has long wanted to tell this
family member (e.g., asking for or expressing forgiveness for this family member, honoring,
thanking, asking for help, seeking to be understood, etc.). The family member and the others in
the group will simply listen.
When the person has finished talking, the family member chosen may want to respond (e.g.,
ask or accept forgiveness, thank the person, express willingness to help). Others in the group
may also choose to express support for the person through words of affirmation, honoring, or
advice.
Objectives
1. Inspire a desire and empower the SFCs to live out the Christian culture of CFC-Singles for
Christ.
2. Develop an appreciation for a common culture in the community that is full of passion, life
and grace.
Speaker’s Profile
Someone who is very familiar with the culture of the community and of the ministry, who lives
out the SFC culture as a way of life, and who will have many experiences to share about this.
Speaker’s Outline
I. Introduction
A. We have a covenant with God and with one another. We are to be His people, and our
lives are to reflect our intimate relationship with Him.
C. More specifically, we are called together in SFC to live out a culture. Part of this life is a
distinct culture as Christians in general and as Singles for Christ in particular.
B. Christianity is a culture.
1. As a natural consequence of Christian beliefs and values, Christians ought to have a
distinctively Christian way of life that reflects and supports such values and beliefs.
B. Our "vision and mission" provides the direction and the rationale for our existence. (SFC
Vision and Mission were discussed in Talk 1 so may just be briefly mentioned here.)
1. SFC Vision – “Every single man and woman all over the world experiencing Christ.”
a. We are to bring singles and families back to the plan of God
b. Our lives will be centered on the fulfillment of this vision
2. SFC Mission – “Building the Church of the Home and Building the Church of the
Poor”
a. The family is the creation of God and God wants us to rise in defense of His work
b. God desires that we love and care for the poor (more on this in the last talk)
C. We are an evangelistic community. We desire to bring Christ and His love to the ends of
the earth. Our formation, activities, and goals reflect this desire.
D. Our "statement of philosophy" contains the beliefs and ideals of SFC, which governs our
vision and mission. This was discussed with you during the CLP. (See Annex 1 for details)
b. We meet regularly in the household, with the Lord together with our
brothers/sisters.
i. Thus, we should keep our household meetings sacred.
ii. We set the specific days of the month when we meet as a household
beforehand so that we can block this off in our calendars.
iii. We do not miss our household meetings except for extreme cases (e.g.,
sickness) because we know the Lord awaits us and it is there that we can give
of ourselves to our brothers/sisters.
c. Members/leaders should not forego the households and just attend these
gatherings. The household remains to be the foundation of our relationships
and these teachings/assemblies support this foundation.
3. Christian speech.
a. Our speech is of tremendous importance for the life of the body. Proverbs
18:21a.
b. We are to avoid slander, gossip and negative humor.
c. Our speech must be gracious. Colossians 4:6. Ephesians 4:29.
Express prase and affection.
Correct with meekness.
Communicate faith and joy.
Show courtesy.
4. Our goal in the way we relate is to build one another up in love, and to build up the
body, SFC. Ephesians 4:15-16.
C. The way we relate to God (Note to speaker: The other talks in the Covenant Orientation
discuss these in more detail.)
2. Scripture -We are to receive wisdom, guidance and life from God's Word.
Colossians 3:16a. Hebrews 4:12.
4. Christian finance.
a. We have a common responsibility to support God's work.
b. We are to make available to the Lord not just our time and our talents, but also
our treasure.
V. Conclusion
A. SFC is one body throughout the world, with one vision, one mission, and also one
culture.
B. God wants to create a new humanity, one that would live His life on earth. We are to be
witnesses to His work in our lives.
C. Our response will determine the effectiveness of our witness. Our positive response will
keep us united and will enable the Lord to use us for His mission.
a. Prayers
b. Evangelization
c. Service to others
8. Christian family renewal is best achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit and
the full use of all charismatic gifts.
One of the aspects of culture is a people’s manner of dressing or their costume. Knowing the
Christian culture of SFC, its values, beliefs, and practices, design an “SFC costume” that will
reflect the important aspects of our culture. Use ordinary and recycled materials to create a
sample of this costume. Dress up one of the group members in this costume and present to the
rest of the body in a cultural fashion show. Each group explains the design of their costume.
Goal:
To encourage SFCs to live one life for Christ by exercising being a good and true Christian in the
workplace
Objectives:
1. Make the participants reflect on the role of God in his or her work situation
2. Uncover misconceptions and pitfalls in the Christian’s attitude and orientation towards
his or her work situation
3. Guide the participant to take concrete action in making the workplace a place to glorify
God.
Speaker’s Profile:
An inspiring SFC leader who is also a successful leader at work; showing excellence in the
different aspects of his/her life.
Speaker’s Outline
I. Introduction
A. Many renewed Christians today still struggle to live a truly Christian life in the
workplace.
B. Several SFCs, after going through the CLP, find that one of the greatest challenges is
being able to practice at the workplace, what is practiced in the SFC community.
C. The workplace remains to be one of the places that lead Christians to be unloving,
self-serving, and to act with a lack of faith in God’s ability to provide.
B. “I was successful before God got here: Past success formulas didn’t include God”.
Many renewed Christians have had success at work before their hearts belonged to
God making it difficult for them to introduce God into a business or career that is
already successful.
• Many SFCs are successful in their fields or professions and find it difficult to
follow or even consider following Christian teachings for fear that it might
yield a different outcome (i.e. failure)
• Some SFCs subconsciously do not believe that God understands their work
and their work situation thus intentionally cut God and prayer out of work-
related matters
• Examples:
o An SFC member who still uses bribes or cheating to gain favor for his
business believing that “it’s an industry norm to do these things”
o An SFC household head whose commitment to his lower household
and to going to going to Mass takes lesser priority to the need to do
overtime
C. “I do good works outside anyway: Justifying and rationalizing our actions and
attitudes in the workplace.” Sometimes change is hard or inconvenient so we make
excuses to justify our reluctance to change.
• There is a silent justification for not fully letting God into our life because it
is too difficult or scary to change how we are in the workplace
• Or that there is a feeling of “no one is watching anyway” or “people do not
know I am a member of SFC” so it gives us a feeling that we can behave to
the standards of the world and not Christ’s
• Examples:
o An SFC member who uses office supplies for SFC materials without
permission from management
o An SFC member who behaves like such a good person in community
but still goes to girlie bars after work with officemates
• Make your life belong to God that we may live out our true purpose for living: To
love God and to belong to God.
“None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for
the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we
are the Lord's.” Romans 14:7-8, NAB.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD. He is like a
tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears
not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows
no distress, but still bears fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8, NAB
B. Be a witness.
• Our relationship with God is a gift that is meant to be shared. Others have
touched us by their relationship with God and their example, we do the same to
others.
“Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a
lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:15-16, NAB
Share in small groups of 4 your answers to the following questions. Suggest solutions for each
other’s difficulties and challenges.
What specific aspects of my work life are least Christian or most conflicting with being
Christian? What can I do to reverse this?
Share two things you will commit to do when you return to work to help bring Christ to people
in your workplace.
Pray over each other at the end of the sharing. Ask for God’s help to conquer the challenges of
living out Christianity in the workplace. (Each one takes turns praying for the person on his/her
left or right.)
Speaker’s Profile
An SFC leader who is able to exemplify good financial stewardship, in tithing and in the way
he/she manages his finances and other resources; one who can inspire and exhort the
participants to give generously to the Lord.
Speaker’s Outline
I. Introduction
Our Lord Jesus Christ wants all the dimensions of our lives, including our financial
responsibilities and resources, to be directed and guided by the Holy Spirit. The Lord asks
that we open our hearts to the Spirit and allow Him to give us a Christian outlook on our
possessions and money and on how to manage them wisely.
• God created everything. And everything – the heavens, the earth, and all that they
contain – belongs to God.
• God is the owner of everything without exception. This includes what we normally
call our own: our house, our car, our clothes, our investments, and our money.
B. We are merely stewards of what belongs to God.
1. We are stewards (or managers) and not masters over the things God has entrusted
to us.
b. Ecclesiastes 5:18 "Any man to whom God gives riches and property, and grants
power to partake of them, so that he receives his lot and finds joy in the fruits of
his toil, has a gift from God"
2. Without God's blessings, we would not have the good things we have.
a. 1 Corinthians 4:7 "Name something you have that you have not received. If
then, you have received it, why are you boasting as if it were your own?"
3. Our minds, our education, business opportunities, "good luck", all are ours only by
God's grace.
a. Sirach 11:14 "Poverty and riches are from the Lord"
b. Sirach 11:21 "It is easy with the Lord suddenly, in an instant, to make a poor man
rich"
4. We should use our finances (wealth and possessions) to glorify God and participate
in the spread of His Kingdom.
a. Proverbs 3:9 "Honor the Lord with your wealth."
b. Though God allows us to enjoy our possessions, these are not exclusively for our
benefit. We need to see how we can use our possessions to serve God and to do
His work on earth.
III. Tithing
A. Definition
1. The tithe consists of ten percent (10%) of an individual's income after taxes from
whatever source, i.e., wages, rents, investments, business, etc.
2. The tithe is given to the immediate body of Christ of which one is a part, and where
one draws support for one's Christian life. For us, that basically means SFC and our
parish.
3. It is given to support the work of the Lord.
In SFC, your tithes will be used for: evangelization, members' formation,
community activities, administrative expenses, etc.
1. We rob God if we don't tithe. Simply because the money is His in the first place and
He's just asking us to turn over 10% of it.
2. We tithe so that there may be "food in God's house." Food is life-giving. The tithes
support our work for the Lord, which work gives life to many couples.
3. "open the floodgates": God can never be outdone in generosity. We will always
receive more than we give (not necessarily in terms of money).
C. Tithing is not part of our covenant in SFC. But it is certainly an essential part of our life as
a growing Christian. However, we understand tithing as part of the life of a maturing
Christian. Thus, we encourage tithing as a means of moving our members forward in
their growth in the Lord.
1. The only source of income of CFC Singles for Christ is from contributions, basically
from its members. As such, the extent by which SFC is able to carry out its mission of
global evangelization, family life renewal, Church renewal and building Christian
communities depends very much on the amount of funds it can raise.
2. SFC uses its income from tithes and contributions to pay for the following:
Evangelization
Support for missionaries
Formation of members
Community activities
Administration (salaries and wages, transportation, repairs, office supplies,
communication, licenses, etc.)
Donations (for needy members)
Purchase of assets as needed
International mission
4. SFC members are encouraged to remit their tithe monthly. (Speaker should mention
mechanics for collection of tithe in that particular chapter; e.g., that their household
heads will set up a system to collect tithes regularly.)
5. Let us not lose the proper perspective.
a. It is important to give not because of the need for our money, but because it is
just the right thing to do.
b. In fact, while we see that God's work needs money, God Himself does not! He
owns the universe.
c. The practical need for money is just His way of giving us the privilege of being His
co-workers in Kingdom-building.
• Focus not so much on the 10%, but on the 90% we keep for ourselves!
• Remember, it is God's money. He owns it all, but He allows us to keep the
bulk of it for our own uses.
6. What if I do not have enough
a. Relate story of the widow’s mite. Luke 21: 1-4. She gave out of her poverty.
b. No one has too little that he has nothing to give. We trust in the Lord’s
providence and that He honors our faithfulness.
1. We use different units – Some people equate abundance only with pesos or dollars
when we can also have an abundance of friends or good health.
2. We use different standards – Some people believe they can only be abundant when
they have billions while others already feel abundant when they have thousands.
God asks us not to worry about the material, rather to concentrate on seeking His
kingdom, then all else will follow. (Luke 12:22-34)
C. Do our part
Financial stability can be approached in two ways. First is to increase our source of
income. Second, is to decrease our expenses. In both approaches, we end up with
having more resources to share and to give back to God and still have enough for our
own needs.
The following are practical tips you can use to improve your financial independence:
b. Passive Income
• Augment your salary with passive income which is defined as income earned
without working for it actively. Some forms of passive income include
money market investments, stock market, rental income, etc. Invest in
education (study, read, enroll, consult) to discover which passive source of
income is best for you.
c. Business
• Cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit in you. Identify market needs and come
up with innovative ideas to meet the needs. Remember that there is always
a better way of doing things.
• If capital is a problem, start with something small and sustainable. Strive to
be an employer rather than an employee. Beware however, that not
everyone is cut out for business.
d. Debt
• Beware of debt. Do not borrow with the notion that eventually you will earn
enough to pay for what you borrowed. Instead, if you need to borrow, based
the amount on what you are able to pay now with your current capacity to
pay.
• Beware of credit cards. The interest rates of most banks are exorbitant,
especially if you opt to pay for your credit card purchases in terms. Avoid
paying the minimum amount only as interest will be charged on the interest
you have not paid, exponentially increasing your over-all charges.
• Think of the card as cash you left a home or cash that is in the bank. If you
have none, don’t use your card. Do not fall prey to free credit cards; you are
just opening yourself up to temptation. Thus, it is important to always live
within your means to avoid the use of credit cards.
• Not all debt is bad. Some loans are given at preferential rates such as loans
from cooperatives or company benefits. Just have the discipline to know
when and how much to borrow.
o Our closet and storage rooms are the best place to find out what we do not
need in life. Let us try not to fill them up by purchasing more.
o “Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and
into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and
destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9)
o We need not spend to enjoy. Laughing, walking, talking, taking a bath in the
rain are cheap ways of having fun. Instead of meeting up with brothers and
sisters in coffee shops, meet up at someone’s house to enjoy inexpensive
coffee in the company of good friends.
This means always put aside a certain amount of income as savings already.
How can we save? Put money in a piggy bank or put money in a bank. The
bank will always be a better option than putting your money in the piggy
bank.
If possible, open two accounts. One account is only for depositing. The other
account is your working account, where you will get your daily expenses.
Look for bank products which reward investors with higher interest if they do
not withdraw their funds. Do not be afraid of banks. Some banks accept
small amounts as initial deposit and still earn interest. Remember that the
money you put in the bank is the money you will use in the future.
For the more financial savvy person, know what investment products there
are (money market, stock market, etc.). Always diversify, meaning never put
all your eggs in the same basket.
Know your investment horizon (short term, long term) and your risk profile
(risk taker, risk averse). This will determine what types of investments you
should be making.
The general rule is, higher risk means high return. If you cannot afford to lose
your investment, stay away from high risk investments.
There are other forms of savings outside the bank. This includes insurance,
pre-need plans, memorial plans, etc.)
c. Make a budget
A budget enables you to keep track of your spending. It allows you to see
where you can cut down on costs.
Always compare budget with actual expenses to know where you have been
remiss or if you need to adjust your budget especially if it is no longer
enough. This also makes you see the trend which can be a good indicator of
future expenses. (e.g., summer months, tendency to spend more)
Beware of unexpected purchases like sales. 0% spent is still better than 50%
off, or even 90% off. We may end up buying things we do not need.
Most importantly, Include tithes as part of the budget. Tithes should not be
what will be left after all our expenses. Tithes should come first before the
things we need to buy.
V. Conclusion
A. Be generous - Give, Give, Give!
B. Pay the proper taxes. Even our Lord paid taxes.
“When they came to Capernaum,the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and
said, “Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?”
“Yes,” he said.” (Mt 17:22-27)
C. Share with the Poor. Everything you give away will return to you with interest
“God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having
all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
“I will bless you and make your home great, and upon you will be a blessing.” (Gen
12:2)
1. Make a pie chart of how you currently use up your annual pay after taxes. Group them
into categories (e.g., Food, Rent/Housing Amortization, Clothing, Education,
Entertainment, Transportation, Communication, Tithing, Outreach, Support for Family,
Others, etc.)
2. Identify how you can save up on each pie (e.g. for Food, bring packed lunch instead of
eating in the office cafeteria, “softdrinks on weekends only”, Clothing – “buy only once
every quarter instead of once a month”
3. Estimate how much you save per year on each item you identified. Add up the
estimated total savings.
4. Make a revised pie chart, with the identified savings area. In the revised chart, it is
mandatory that you set aside 10% of income for tithing.
5. Discuss your work with your seatmate.
6. If time will allow, open the floor for 2 or 3 sharings.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Help the participants see God’s concern for the poor through the biblical passages of
the old and new testament.
2. Lead to a desire to love and serve the poor as part of their mission as members of the
Church and of SFC
3. Exhort the SFCs to live a life of simplicity, compassion and generosity
Speaker’s Profile:
An SFC leader who has been actively serving in the ministry’s work with the poor; one who can
inspire the participants to share their time, talent, and treasure with the less fortunate.
Speaker’s Outline:
Deuteronomy 26:5-9
Then you shall declare before the LORD your God: "My father was a wandering
Aramean, and he went down into Egypt with a few people and lived there and became a
great nation, powerful and numerous. 6 But the Egyptians mistreated us and made us
suffer, putting us to hard labor. 7 Then we cried out to the LORD, the God of our fathers,
and the LORD heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression. 8 So the LORD
brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror
and with miraculous signs and wonders. 9 He brought us to this place and gave us this
land, a land flowing with milk and honey;
Psalm 140:12 I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of
the needy
Psalm 10:14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand.
The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.
Isaiah 41:17 "The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are
parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake
them.”
Luke 6:20-21 20Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours
is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed
are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
These attitudes are far different from God’s thoughts. The world sees the poor
differently and these attitudes are a world away from God’s concern for the poor as
described by the verses mentioned previously. God loves the poor and He loves
everybody. Neediness arouses compassion in God to act. On our part, it is not so simple
to respond yet God’s character presents Himself as a model. If God values the poor, we
have to think about what this means for us.
Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things
common
Is 58:7 “Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the
oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see
them, and not turning your back on your own.”
3. The show-off – giving for others to see that you are generous.
• God says, let your giving be done in secret and you will be greatly
rewarded in heaven
Matt 6:24 So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with
trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets,
to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their
reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left
hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be
in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will
reward you.
4. The compassionate giver – gives out of a genuine concern and love for the
poor, without counting the cost; sees what they need and seeks to respond
to this need
• Jesus asks us to love as He did, with a self-giving love.
Jn 13:34 “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I
have loved you, so you also should love one another.”
A. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, we are called to love and care for
the poor.
Deut 15:7 7 If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of
the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or
tightfisted toward your poor brother.
Deut 26:12 When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in
the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the alien, the
fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied.
Is 58:10 “If you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; Then
light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like
midday;”
Luke 3:11 John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who
has none, and the one who has food should do the same."
1. Loving and serving the poor is an essential part of being a Christian and of
being part of the Church.
• We know that Jesus gave preference to the poor. He Himself was
born poor, He ate and drank with the poor, many of His disciples
were poor. As Christians, we must take after our Master, giving of
ourselves to the poor. We must look upon everyone as our brother
or sister.
3. We will be judged by how much we have loved and served others as Jesus
did, especially our poor brethren.
Mt 25:34-36 “Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are
blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was
thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and
you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”
1. Serving the poor may be the right thing to do but the Bible associates it with
material and spiritual reward.
Prov 22:9 A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with
the poor.
Deut 15:10 Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then
because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in
everything you put your hand to.
Luke 14:12-14 Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or
dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich
neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13But
when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,
14
and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be
repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.
Our vision, “Every single man and woman all over the world experiencing Christ”
includes the poor in a special way as we are called to bring Christ to them and
experience Christ in them.
1. Be Advocates of loving and serving the poor. Be part of the marketing team/think
tanks of the various programs to present them creatively to various sectors for
possible partnerships/sponsorships.
2. Commit to give a portion of your allowance/salary to the various programs esp. the
Ancop Child Sponsorship Program.
3. Give Time for tutoring or values/spiritual enrichment in the different ANCOP areas.
4. Live Simply.
i. Give away things you don’t need.
ii. Minimize expensive purchases/pleasures that are not really necessary.
iii. What you might normally spend on luxuries (Starbucks coffee, branded
clothing, etc.), save for the poor.
5. Organize events or activities at ANCOP areas like parties and anniversaries and let
your family, loved ones, friends and co-workers enjoy the spirit of sharing and giving.
6. Visit the prison, the aged, the sick, and the abandoned. Find opportunities to bring
love and joy to those who need to be reminded that they are loved.
7. Elevate the lives of the needy by giving them opportunities for work and thus bless
his family as well.
Ephesians 4:28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing
something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with
those in need.
Our Child Sponsorship Program allows us to give the gift of a good education to children
who cannot afford such. With this we also give them hope and a bright future, one
child, one community at a time.
(Speaker explains other Ancop and Work with the Poor programs in place in the area.)
V. Conclusion:
Mt 25:34 “Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ’Come, O blessed of my
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was
hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and
you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was
in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ’Lord, when did we
see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink?’ And the king will answer
them, ’Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of my brethren, you did it to
me.’”
In this verse, God gave us a radical way of understanding the presence of the poor in our
midst. Jesus did not only take the side of the poor but He puts Himself in their place.
Jesus takes the issue of poverty personally and He also calls us to do the same.
Having the same heart and spirit, let our hearts be cheerful in giving. Let us allow
ourselves to be channels of blessing to others especially the needy. Let “every single
man and woman all over the world experience Christ.” Let us be a part of this great
revolution of LOVE.