THE ESSENTIALS OF A VIBRANT COMMUNITY

In his exhortation to the Community during our 35th Anniversary, our newly installed Senior Head Coordinator Kuya Spanky Meer enumerated three essential elements that are to be found in a VIBRANT COMMUNITY such as Ligaya.  Because we are a community of disciples on mission, he said, we need to ensure that the following three elements are deeply rooted and in place. 

Love of a Family, Discipline of an Army, Presence of the Holy Spirit

Below are excerpts from his exhortation:

1. LOVE OF A FAMILY – “we’re parts of one body.  When toe or finger hurts, the whole body hurts.  Therefore, need for greater COMPASSION & SOLIDARITY e.g. Seize grace during Mass to give generously, not routinely/mechanically, during collections as they all go to Alms Fund.  So many LNP brethren in serious financial need, specially medically – cancer, heart disease, etc. Make it a point to know who needs our prayers and pray, pray, pray.  We are Family!”
2. DISCIPLINE OF AN ARMY — “God is a God of order!  Respect/obey elders.  e.g. listen when Coordinators ask members to sit down so prayer meeting can begin.  Accept/cooperate with pastoral structure.  Give feedback to PLs, lovingly & respectfully.  Don’t talk behind their backs.”
3. PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – “not by power, nor might, but by My Spirit!” “The power at work within you is the same power God the Father used to raise Jesus from the dead and seat Him on His right hand.” (Eph 1:19-20).

In a follow-on email to all the Sector and District Coordinators, Spanky requested that all Pastoral Workers should lead their men’s and women’s group to fully understand these three elements and move towards living these out more concretely in a fruitful way.