Stewardship Formation for Mission Simplicity Sharing Service Magis August 2013 Official Publication of the Magis Deo Community The Four S’s and the Evangelical Counsels

The values of Magis Deo, Stewardship, has its own counterpart in Sharing, Simplicity and Service or the 4S’s, the 4 S’s. The equivalent of were the topic of our community celebration poverty is simplicity; that of last June 6, 2013 at the Lay Force Center, chastity is sharing and that San Carlos Seminary, Guadalupe. Four of obedience is service. If stalwarts of the community – Eli Prieto, Jun we live these three S’s or Sison, Monchito Mossesgeld and Tony del evangelical counsels, we Rosario – shared their experiences in living become stewards, which is th the 4 S’s while our spiritual director, Fr. the 4 S of our values. James Gascon, synthesized their sharing Fr. James explained Fr. James Gascon, SJ into a conceptual framework anchored that poverty or simplicity is contentment and one’s time and talent. More than just to the evangelical counsels. Fr. James grounded on gratitude. It is a spirit of giving, sharing is relationship building. We explained that the 4 S’s originate from detachment and it is not the same as build relationships with those with whom the gospel of Matthew 19:17 which is the destitution. It is being detached from the we share. story of the rich young man who asked material things of this world. Eli Prieto Jun Sison spoke about his experience Jesus what he should do to gain eternal shared that for him minimalism is only of sharing in his corporate life. As president life. Jesus replied that he has to follow the one form of simplicity. To him, simplicity of a company, Jun is involved in the lives of commandments but that if he wanted to be is anchored on being a steward of God’s his workers and tries to address their needs. perfect, he should sell all he has, give it to gifts to him. One of God’s gifts to him is He realizes the social injustices committed the poor and follow Him. This passage from his son. Eli spoke of how he and his son to these laborers and he promised to help the gospel is really a call to every Christian enjoyed each other’s company conversing them uplift their lives. This he does by to live the evangelical counsels which are till dawn. He spoke of how he practiced ensuring a good education for the children poverty, chastity and obedience. Fr. James simplicity by detaching himself and letting of the workers; by setting aside funds from said that each of these evangelical counsels his son live his own life, the way his son company operations for an educational wanted. Even though his son’s direction foundation; and by using his own money to was different from what Eli wanted, Eli send his own set of scholars to school. He detached himself from his own opinions also implemented pay upgrades and has and beliefs to better understand where his made it a policy to set aside a percentage son was coming from. of the profits of the company to augment the This same spirit of detachment Eli income of the workers. And while the trend in practices in his service to the community. the business world is to outsource, he went He detaches himself from his comfort against the trend and decided instead to hire zone and a more relaxed lifestyle as he the janitors of the company as permanent makes himself available to serve in various employees. Magis programs like MEW, FEW, voters’ Jun also disclosed how he practices education, and Couple Power Lakas Mag- sharing in his personal life. His household asawa (Suyuan). staff he treats as members of his own family. The second evangelical counsel is He sends their children to private schools. chastity. Fr. James defines an unchaste He wants them to have equal opportunities life as a desire to covet. A chaste life with his own children and grandchildren. In therefore is sharing what we receive. It is sharing, Jun’s philosophy is to share the sharing not only our financial and material best he can. resources but more a sharing of oneself Continued on page 5 06 July 2013 Community Celebration

2 Magis hat clever lawyer in today’s driving their wagon shouted, “Dad, stop. Let Gospel reading asked Jesus us try to help!” The mother and son sitting how to inherit eternal life. When behind agreed to do the same. But the T Jesus answered him that the father said: “We will miss our Sunday Mass, way was to love God and neighbor, the and that is more important. Others will help lawyer intellectualized and asked: “And who them,” and he continued on. Indeed, the is my neighbor?” Jesus then answered him letter of the law is more important than the with the parable of the Good Samaritan, spirit of the law. This is not Jesus’ way. which was addressed not only to that In another family, a mother keeps lawyer, but is now addressed to each and reminding her 16-year-old daughter, who every one of us. Moreover, what is important has a close friend, a Muslim girl in the same is not so much our logic or intelligence, but class: “Don’t be close to her. Remember, our hearts. Our love. Not only for our family, you are a Catholic. She might in time but our love and compassion for anyone convince you to be a Muslim.” “But Mama,” and everyone, including those who do not the daughter insisted, “we are already the belong to our race, culture, religion, and best of friends, and she is a very kind and social status. In fact, including those who loving person.” “Our religion is the one, hate or persecute us. true religion. Don’t forget that!” the mother retorted. Another instance, this time of social injustice, is this housemaid, whose son trip abroad, for the hospital bills affected just graduated from high school and is their finances considerably. But the price of very eager to enroll for a college degree. being the Good Samaritan is worth it. His mother appealed to her employer for Going now to another situation, here is Who is my a sizeable sum of money for the whole a couple who is running a small business semester, either as a scholarship from the with 20 employees, who all have families employer-couple or as a debt that she would of their own. The employer-couple are neighbor? pay in installment for several years. They faithfully following the legal minimum wage did not give in to her request. But three days law plus allowances. But they both feel Sunday Homily later, this employer-couple went on a one- and observe that their employees and their 14 July 2013 week pilgrimage to the Holy Land! families are not able to live decent lives that can be described as really human. They Ruben M. Tanseco, SJ Let us now go to the opposite side, for there are living examples indeed of the Good keep referring to our Constitution, Article Samaritan among us. Again, a housemaid. XV entitled The Family, which states that This one, in her late thirties, suffered a the “State shall defend the right of the family serious stroke and was rushed to a public to a family living wage and income.” They hospital. But there were very inadequate are convinced that this is not happening. In the parable, both the priest and medical facilities and instruments needed They came up, through a lot of praying and the Levite ignored the beaten-up victim of for her condition. Most patients with a similar discernment, with this conclusion: Either robbers as they passed by. In various ways, condition in that public hospital were just to enlarge their company, which will use we may at times be doing the same, through given the best that the hospital had and all their savings and financial investments; rationalization, or religious prejudice, or could afford, and allowed the patients to or keep the company small as it is, but social injustice. The one and only response slowly pass away. The employer-couple, increase the wages and salaries of their of Jesus, both in his life and through the moved with compassion, immediately employees in a big way, plus much bigger parable, is love-in-action, which involves transferred their dying housemaid to a allowances to really improve the quality of self-sacrifice, persecution, all the way to well-known private hospital and gave her their family lives. death. all the needed medical procedures and They came up with the second option, Let us first single out several real facilities with the determination to save and it gave them deep, inner peace. They situations of rationalization, religious her life. It worked! She was saved, but will lose a lot of their own money, but they prejudice, and social injustice. A family was it cost the employer-couple more than a will be sharing it with 20 other families, who on their way to Sunday Mass when their million pesos. All this was given to the will be able to live decent lives according to vehicle passed by an accident, where an housemaid, gratis et amore. The housemaid, God’s ways. The Good Samaritan is more elderly woman was lying on the side of the her husband and two children, were deeply than just a parable. It is God’s mission for road with some people trying to help her out, grateful to the employer-couple, who were each and every one of us today, especially but no sign of an ambulance. The teenage at peace with God and themselves for what those among the lower middle-class, the daughter, sitting beside her father who was they did. They then canceled their planned upper middle-class, and the rich.

August 2013 3 Ed i t o r i a l

Some high points of the encyclical “Lumen Fidei” Faith is an Experience of Joy Uy-Tioco Communion and Solidarity Sirach BCGG

n July 5 of this year, the Faith is “an encounter which takes place in special way: “While it is true that authentic Holy Father, Pope Francis, history” and “is passed on… by contact from faith fills one with joy and ‘a desire to live presented his first encycli- one person to another, just as one candle life to the fullest’ – ‘the light of faith does not cal, “Lumen Fidei” or “The is lighted from another.” make us forget the sufferings of the world.’ Light of Faith,” to the world. Rather it opens us up to ‘an accompany- Faith offers an opening to Christ’s The encyclical, divided into four main ing presence, a history of goodness which O Love, the opportunity to enter into a relation- parts, says much that is both relevant and touches every story of suffering and opens ship that enlarges the ‘I’ to the dimensions of timely to our community, Magis Deo, what up a ray of light’.” ‘we’ which is not merely human, within the we proclaim to believe and how we live Church, but also truly divine, and therefore The light of faith guides the meaning our lives. an authentic participation of life, brings comfort and consolation to The encyclical begins in the ‘we’ of the Father, unsettled or despondent hearts, but also with the history of salva- the Son and the Holy commits believers to place themselves tion, starting with the faith … The Encycli- Spirit. at the service of the common good of hu- of Abraham, and culminat- manity through the announcement and Starting from this trini- ing in Jesus where we cal restates in a authentic sharing of the grace of God. tary ‘we’ that is extended to can say once and for all new way the truth become an ecclesial ‘we’, What the encyclical has accomplished that “we know and believe the Holy Father points is to restate in a new way the truth that the love that God has for (is) that faith in to the ‘we’ of the family, faith in Jesus Christ is a good for human- us” because He is “the as the most privileged ity “truly a good for everyone; a common complete manifestation of Jesus Christ is a context for the trans- good.” The light of faith does not simply God’s reliability.” good for humanity mission of faith, where brighten the Church, or our own small Faith, Love and Truth. “truly a good for as we say, children im- community, “nor does it serve solely Because faith has to do bibe faith with the milk to build an eternal city in the hereafter; with knowledge of reality, everyone; a com- they drink. Parents and it helps us build our societies in such it is intrinsically linked to mon good.” other adults teach their a way that they can journey towards a truth: “faith without truth children through the future of hope.” does not save… it remains witness and practice of a beautiful story… or it is their own faith. A vivid reduced to a lofty sentiment.” image and truth is the sacrament of bap- Faith opens us to the love of God, tism when parents and godparents profess The light of faith guides transforms the way we see things “be- the faith for the infant who is too young to cause love itself brings enlightenment.” understand or speak for himself. the meaning of life, brings Love is authentic when it binds us to Finally, in the fourth chapter of the en- comfort and consolation the truth and truth attracts us to itself cyclical we see concretely the connection with the force of love. This discovery of between the teachings of Pope Francis to unsettled or despondent “love as a source of knowledge, which and Pope Benedict XVI, and our own com- hearts, but also commits is part of the primordial experience of mitment as an apostolic community to the every man and woman”… is one of the poor and suffering that Jesus loved in a believers to place them- most beautiful and important ideas selves at the service of the emphasized in this encyclical. “…the family… is the common good of human- Faith always happens in community. The encyclical points out that faith, if it most privileged context ity through the announce- profoundly touches the believer, is not an for the transmission of isolated and isolating “face-to-face” with ment and authentic shar- God. Faith can never be purely personal. faith” ing of the grace of God.

4 Magis Ed i t o r i a l

“Finally, the encyclical contemplates Maria, the ideal personi- event, Pope Francis confirms that it was a ‘Council on faith,’ with fication of faith, who heard the Word and cherished it within her the aim of placing at the center of the life of the Church the primacy heart, she who followed Jesus and let herself be transformed by of God and the need to restate this today, in different cultures and Him.” societies, in a comprehensible and credible way. “Those who believe, see.” This expression captures the teach- With regard to the Catechism, the encyclical reiterates its ing of Pope Francis in this, his first encyclical. validity as a tool by which the Church carries It teaches a path the Pope proposes to the out its task of transmitting faith with the living Church in order that she might recover her The profound value of the memory of the proclamation of Jesus Christ. mission in today’s world. Presenting faith, the Creed is to make clear the It is in this context Pope Francis underlines encyclical invites us to return our attention the great value of the Profession of the Faith, to the basis of the Church and of every be- necessary commitment to the Creed… which allows faith to be expe- liever. This is the mystery of the incarnation change one’s life … those rienced as living and effective in the lives of of the Son of God who, through his death those who believe, who frequently experience and resurrection, revealed to us the fullness who believe, in summary, an unjustified illiteracy regarding matters of and depth of His love. Beginning from the are called to live responsi- faith. In these pages, the profound value of assumption that faith is born of love, the the Creed is reiterated, not only to recall knowledge of faith and the knowledge of love bly in the world. the synthesis of the faith but above all to are linked as an inseparable pair in which make clear the necessary commitment to love, however, assumes a role of undisputed change one’s life… those who believe, in primacy. The “light of faith” is brought into the “light of love.” summary, are called to live responsibly in the world.” “Lumen Fidei” is published in the middle of the Year of Faith, and it was signed on 29 June, the feast of the Apostles Peter and This editorial draws heavily from the presentations made by Cardinal Marc Ouillet, Paul, first witnesses to the faith of the Church. This encyclical P.S.S., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, and Archbishops Gerhard Muller and Rino is now offered to us by Pope Francis as a ‘programme’ for how Fischella, respectively, prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and president to continue to live this Year of Faith which has seen the Church of the Pontifical Council for New Evangelization, when the Encyclical was presented to the involved in many highly formative experiences. press on July 5, 2013. In “Lumen Fidei” the Holy Father does not forget this year’s Sources: Vatican Information Service two key dates: the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second • Summary of the encyclical “Lumen Fidei” Vatican Council and the twentieth anniversary of the publication • Presentation of the encyclical “Lumen Fidei”: Faith is an experience of communion of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. With regard to the first and solidarity

The Four... continued from page 1 they feel they have served long enough so they should give others a chance to serve too. However, despite all these insecurities and Obedience is the third evangelical counsel. Fr. James excuses, they have answered God’s call and continue to serve out explained how the value of service is similar to obedience. Service of gratitude. Now they are serving as members of the community’s is to wait for a call. It is a response to a need. Fr. James’ example Council of Advisers and as resource persons for the community’s was that of a waiter where to serve is to obey and be prompt. One various spiritual workshops. serves because there is a need and not because one wants to. Monchito and Tina also serve outside the Magis community. We can only give of ourselves if there is a need. They serve each other, their children and grandchildren by For Monchito Mossesgeld, the reason for service stems from listening to concerns, giving advice, helping in decision making gratitude for God’s gifts. He said everything we have is a gift from and in household activities. At work, Tina serves as spiritual God and our service is our loving response to God’s generosity. director to others and gives retreats. Monchito gives workshops We serve by responding to others and taking care of their needs. and conferences for youth development and leadership. Both give Monchito also explained that the founders of Magis Deo added couple retreats and also serve the country as PPCRV volunteers. Service to the original Ignatian 3 S’s (Stewardship, Simplicity and Monchito serves as adviser to Kaya Natin, a foundation that helps Sharing) to emphasize that the community should be faithful in micro and small businesses. serving others, in being couples for others. Monchito and Tina Monchito quoted David Fleming, SJ on service: “Our ways of Mossesgeld have served in various positions in Magis Deo and serving will be as rich as our ways of loving.” He said the challenge have served in the pastoral council. This was not easy for them and for him is “to continuously pray and ask God how He wants us to they would have various excuses for not serving like they felt they serve and to serve with the spirit of Magis.” were not ready or not capable; they didn’t have the time; and now, Continued on page 21

August 2013 5 Co u n c i l Co r n e r

Mid-year planning Jojo & Jane Aldeguer Council / Mustard Seed BCGG

July is the time of year that the Council and Ministry Heads We also await the completion of each BCGG’s Outreach meet, join our heads and hearts, to see where we are in terms of Article which will be featured in our souvenir program. You the goals set for the year, what adjustments we need to make for can email your articles to [email protected] with the rest of the year, and how we can help each other achieve our approximately 400 words and 4 to 6 pictures. ministry and community goals. Watch out for Balik-Magis Committee’s and ME Ministry’s Magis @ 25 Take Two of MEW. Jojo and I took our MEW in 2002, and as our We started off with thanksgiving for the first two Igniting the Valentine date, we attended last February 2013’s MEW with Fr. Magis activities. First, the Tag Marriage and Family Expo held last Abuan. Wow! We wouldn’t say things have changed much but the May 18, 2013 was graced with close to 400 Magis and non-Magis second time experience after so many years gave a different re- attendees who surely benefited from the talks of Fathers Allan awakening and nourishment, with a different Team Priest at that. Abuan, James Gascon and Ruben Tanseco. We are considering We plan to make Take Two of MEW a 1- or 2-day module and making the video of the event available so do watch out for that. offer this to active, as well as entice non-active Magis members Second, the July 12, 2013 “Drive for Power, Igniting for More” to attend. Golf Tournament held at Ayala Greenfield was well attended with We would like to thank everyone for all their efforts in 91 golfers! In simple things, God gives back... It is good to note promoting, soliciting, attending, and praying for our various Magis that our major sponsor from SGV also won the grand raffle prize! @ 25 activities. It is worthwhile stressing our project’s guideline Not to forget, the prestigious Class A crown was won by our very that we will only approach a donor or sponsor once for any of own Ted Concepcion! The great weather blessed upon the event our Igniting the Magis events. Nevertheless, if any of them would was enjoyed by everyone, together with the good food, posters full like to give more than once, who are we to say no.... of sponsors, warm camaraderie, friendly competition and exciting Outreach Ministry raffle prizes. Outreach Ministry reaches out to the people in need, who are Next up, don’t forget to mark your calendar for our Fun Run both Magis and non-Magis members. Magis Deo was approached / Fun Walk dubbed Magis in Motion, Family in Action, on by Habitat for CPLM; we said yes and praise God for another September 8, Sunday, at the Ateneo Grade School parking lot. opportunity to be an instrument for couples in Habitat. With this Warm-up exercises start at 5 AM, and “Ready, get set....Bang!” will pursuit, we also seek interested couples who are moved to be be heard shortly after. And by the way, compared to the usual P500- a CPLM/Suyuan Facilitator. Also, the ministry is open to accept P600 fun run fees, our Magis Deo Fun Run’s special registration Job Placement ads which will be submitted to the Newsletter fee is only P250 per person! We hope this will entice everyone Committee; this is in the hope of assisting both jobseekers and to bring the whole family, as what this activity’s title connotes. (A employers in our community. Lastly, for those who no longer have special prize awaits the BCGG with the most number of attendees!). younger siblings or children to pass their old books to, we are Our morning will be capped with the celebration of the Holy Mass opening a Book Donation corner; you may bring your old books immediately after the fun run. Our Magis youth ages 15 and up during the Community Celebration (ComCeleb) or drop them in are invited to be part of the Marshalls Committee; please sign up our Magis home at CeFam in the Ateneo campus. with Kuya Henry or Ate Gay. Community Services Ministry Efforts for the souvenir program and Nov. 23 Celebration and Couple’s Night are underway. We have blocked our venue which Aside from efforts in coordinating with Sectors, Ministries, is the very strategic Decagon Event’s Place, located in Silver City and Council members, as well as inviting the community during at the back of Hypermart/Tiendesitas, C5 corner J. Vargas Ave., the ComCeleb, the CSM joins Igniting the Magis for the Nov. Pasig City. We will have the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 4 23 preparations. Probable Sportsfest is in the cooking for next PM, then a short formal program, followed by our yearly date – the year. Couple’s Night! Prepare your dancing shoes... Youth Ministry Other projects What a fun first half of the year for the Magis Deo Youth! By now, we have already received the inputs, thoughts, Twenty-six participants enjoyed this year’s Summer Youth Camp. reflections and insights of our community members regarding our The Theatre Camp had sixteen talented stars. And whether it was journey as a couple, our blessings in Magis Deo, and simply what’s their first time to play or not, nineteen kids surely were team-players in our heart (deadline was July 31). With these, let us pray for Fr. during the recent Youth Sportsfest. But there were also times to Manoling Francisco’s inspiration in his efforts to help us with our pause, listen and reflect. During the past ComCelebs, we invited . Magis Deo Hymn Continued on page 7

6 Magis Co u n c i l Co r n e r

Mid-year planning.... continued from page 6 various Facilitators for talks on Ignatian Spirituality, and Prayer and and Formation Database. Please contact Ted or Susan should Examen for our Youth (they are in a separate room while couples you be moved to be part of any of the Formation Ministry’s sub- listen to our Sharer). One youth shares that he is now doing the committees. Daily Examen of Consciousness. The Holy Spirit is truly in action Activities during the first half of the year: For Shepherds – amidst them. Well, it is just the middle of the year! Up next... watch Running a Prayer Session: March 3, and Shepherding Workshop: out for our Christmas Card Contest, Youth Night, and Family Day May 1. For Members – REACH: January 26-27 and AIR 2: March Youth Presentation, to name a few! 15-17. “I’m No Moses” talk by Manny Blas last Saturday was well ME Ministry attended by 45 members of the community. For the second half of the year: For Shepherds – Suggested Topic: Servant Leadership, The ME Weekend has always been our entry point to being a Listening, Managing Anger/Fear and/or AI (Appreciative part of the Magis Deo Community. However, as we explore different Inquiry): Sept. 14 or 21. For Members – LSS: August 17, Prayer ways of reaching out, making people aware and comfortable with Workshop: Oct. 12 or 26, AIR 2: Oct. 2013 or Feb. 2014, SDR: Jan. Ignatian Spirituality and Faith Sharing, we can also start by opening 2014 with Fr. Gascon. Come, and continue to be enriched.... our “doors” (and homes) during our BCGG Meetings. We are welcome to invite our married friends to sit-in. Hopefully, this will Praxis Ministry be an avenue for them to attend the Marriage Encounter Weekend, For the first half of 2013, Praxis attended almost all BCGG ComCelebs and Formation programs of Magis Deo. meetings, reports submission is 30% and increasing, and Formation November this year will be the commissioning month for ME Tracking done. Moving on to the second half of the year, we continue Classes who have completed the basic formation programs. Do get with Tracking of Activities, ME Classes involvement in ComCeleb in touch with Praxis to confirm your ME Class for commissioning. (name tags, etc.), food stub idea on food hosting, invite BCGG Heads-up: Prayer Workshop sometime October 2013 and shepherds and alternate shepherds to a talk by Ging de Guzman SDR in January 2014. in October on “Understanding Personalities – an effective tool towards servant leadership”, address BCGG concerns, timelines Watch out for new Harana songs to be implemented this for developing BCGGs, explore lunch/merienda date by Praxis and August! We are also inviting couples to be part of our pool of ME Ministries with Shepherd, and separately with ME Class. ME Shepherds should you feel your calling is shepherding ME Classes. Community Celebrations The number of couples during the last two MEWs continues Our September 2013 the ComCeleb will be on September to be a challenge. February’s ME112 had 12 couples, and June’s 8, 2013 which will be tied up with our Family Fun Run/Fun Walk ME113 had 9 couples. We welcome School or Company referrals Day. Celebration of the Holy Eucharist is at 8:30 AM (Fun Run/ whom we can partner with in terms of their Values and Spiritual/ Walk starts at 5 AM). Family Formation programs. Retention-wise, we encourage The election of four new members of the Magis Deo Pastoral recruiters and auxies to accompany MEW recruits to at least the Council will be during our October 5, 2013 ComCeleb. By this time, first 3 reunions and the succeeding 3 ComCelebs. We remind ME the BCGGs have already discerned and submitted their respective Shepherds to coordinate with the Outreach Ministry for Suyuan nominees. We bid goodbye to outgoing Council members Lito sponsorship of ME Classes. Gonzales, Jojo & Jane Aldeguer, Miles & Evelyn San Pedro and Formation Ministry Cesar & Marivic Pareja. In the effort to centralize tasks and trainings, the SSFM and MFM are merged as one ministry - Formation, under the Hats off to our servant leaders but most of all to the whole headship of Ted and Susan Concepcion. Sub-committees are: community for their generous and heartfelt support! Members’ Formation, Shepherds’ Formation, Companion Program

Mid-year planning session, 20 July 2013, Magis Deo office.

August 2013 7 Simplicity Eli Prieto, Jr., Genesis of David BCGG

The most common form of not make me simple. As Richard Foster says simplicity is the congruence of my internal simplicity we think about is minimalism: in his book The Freedom of Simplicity, plain reality and my outward lifestyle. Otherwise, i.e., to minimize or to reduce. But with our deprivation may even lead to discontent and niloloko ko lamang ang aking sarili. Niloloko passion for accumulation, this becomes a misery and not to simplicity. ko rin ang Diyos. problem. “More is better” seems to be the Minimalism is just one expression of For me, simplicity is not even a goal or norm. For example, cell phones are no simplicity. For me this is the easiest to notice an objective. It is a result or an outcome. For longer just mere phones and the choices are and observe. However, simplicity is not as example, if one of my new year’s resolutions endless. On the other hand, less accessories simple as minimalism or mere reduction. is to adopt a lifestyle of simplicity, this would on our body seem to indicate just lead to failure. However, simplicity. The one-solid-one- if I live my life as a steward of liquid practice of simplicity God’s gifts, simplicity flows in when serving food during ME my daily activities. reunions and BCGG meetings Recently I had a late is another form of simplicity dinner with my son. We talked through minimalism. When about his projects, the status Edith and I were new in Magis of his post graduate studies, Deo, we were always reminded among other things. We of this practice. But I noticed started eating around 9:30 there were always excuses pm. When we next noticed for not complying. Birthdays the time, it was almost 3 and anniversaries were the am. Both of us were at ease most common excuses. When in our conversation. It was I attend retreats at the Sacred sincere and straightforward. Heart Novitiate, two types of I asked how many subjects biscuits with coffee, Milo and he enrolled in this trimester. tea are available 24/7. I can eat Sagot niya, “Isa lang.” He anytime, if am brave enough is on his third year of post to go out of my room at night. graduate studies hence I was At regular meals, 2 viands are expecting him to finish soon, since masters served with fruits as panghimagas. Fish is Simplicity is far richer in its meaning and degrees are usually completed in 3 years. I sometimes added for the health conscious. practice. was surprised to find out it would take him Tatlong ulam na yun. At sa Ignatian retreat In Magis Deo, I have learned that another 3 years to finish. In silence, I asked pa po ito. When I look back at Magis Deo simplicity is not an independent S among myself: “6 years for the degree?” He told gatherings, I find myself enjoying and the 4 S’s of stewardship, simplicity, me he is starting a small sub-contracting eating with more gusto when more than one sharing and service. I will never forget business with a leading construction solid na masarap ang hinanda. After such the explanation that simplicity is anchored company, a project given to him by his MBA meal, I more sincerely thank the food host. on Stewardship (naka-ankla, nakasabit, classmate. He further clarified that one of Up to now, I always express my heartfelt nakatali, nakasandal.). Kung nabuwal the reasons he takes only one subject per gratitude when Jay gives me lumpia or Sol ang pader ng stewardship, buwal din ang trimester is to widen his base of potential gives me pancit or Gaya gives me buchi or simplicity. Without stewardship, simplicity contacts through new sets of classmates Mimi gives me brownies, in addition to the becomes a form of conformity or just another every trimester. Again, in silence, I said to food provided by the host of our community make-believe outward manifestation of my myself, binobola na naman ako ng anak ko. celebration. ego. Napilitan lamang o kaya nagkukunwari. I was comparing him to his ate who finished The one-solid-one-liquid practice is an Over the years, I learned that simplicity starts example of simplicity. But by itself, it does from within, not from without. However, real Continued on page 21

The theme of our July 2013 Community Celebration was “Liv- respectively. Fr. James Gascon did the synthesis. We serialize ing the 4 S’s.” Four elders of the community, Eli Prieto, Jr., their talks/sharings starting with the August issue, and starting Monchito Mossesgeld, Jun Sison and Tony del Rosario, shared with Eli’s, above. how they practice simplicity, service, sharing and stewardship, - RCD

8 Magis A troubled mind, a restless heart, and a stubborn hesitant witness

Eli Prieto, Jr., Genesis of David BCGG

At our July community celebration, I was troubled 3. Riches, pleasures of the flesh and of the appetites, as well when Fr. James explained that as honor and positions of authority are not by themselves bad. These things will not deny anyone heaven. However, Simplicity = Poverty. these things done in sinful acts can distract, divert, delay I know God wishes me to live a life in simplicity. But does or even prevent everyone from entering heaven and these God wish me to live a life in poverty? Doesn’t Jesus Christ urge are what the evangelical counsels attempt to address. everyone to help eradicate material 4. Pope Benedict XVI and spiritual poverty? I became distinguishes “poverty ” more bothered when Fr. James chosen (the poverty of spirit proposed gave, as biblical basis, the parable by Jesus), and “poverty of the young man (Matt 19:16-22) to be ” (unjust and imposed where Jesus told the young man fought poverty). He considers that to sell everything he has as a the implied in the precondition to following Jesus moderation Christ. Does this mean that Jun former favors solidarity, and is Sison, Tony del Rosario, Monchito a necessary condition for fight- Mossesgeld, Eli Prieto (ComCeleb ing effectively to eradicate the speakers on the 4 S’s) and the rest abuse of the latter. of the Magis Deo members should 5. The danger in the do the same before they can follow Early Church, even in Apostolic Jesus Christ? I also became times, was not that the “coun- restless when Fr. James used the sels” would be neglected or teachings of evangelical counsels denied, but that they should be to summarize the 4 S’s since I exalted into commands of uni- do not know what evangelical versal obligation... imposing counsels are in the first place. This poverty as a duty on all. (This led me to seek clarifications and is why I am having difficulty in answers to my questions. Let me share the fruits of this search. accepting to equate SIMPLICITY = POVERTY.) The following are direct quotations from reading sources except 6. Outside the consecrated life of religious orders, Christians those in italics which are my personal additions. The words in bold are free to make a private vow to observe one or more letters are my way of emphasizing and “driving home a point.” of the evangelical counsels. Evangelical counsels are: voluntary poverty, perpetual 7. In Matthew 19:16-22, the story of Christ telling the young chastity and entire obedience. (Stewardship is not one of the man what he needs to do in order to be saved, and then evangelical counsels. Now I understand why Fr. James started what he needs to do in order to be perfect, are two differ- the July ComCeleb sharing of the 4 S’s with Simplicity, Sharing, ent things. The young man is already saved by following Service and ended with Stewardship, where Stewardship is God’s commandments. But to be perfect like Jesus Christ labeled as “Living the Evangelical Counsels.” He used the and follow Him, he has to sell everything. Heaven is not evangelical counsels as his way of summarizing. This is new to denied to the young man even if does not “sell everything.” me since I was taught that the 4 S’s start with Stewardship and However, in Magis Deo, I am called to do more, and the that the other 3 S’s are just the desired results in the practice of “counsels” are for me to be desired to do more than the Stewardship.) minimum, i.e., obey God’s commandments. I am called 1. The evangelical counsels are public vows made by to aim at Christian perfection as called on the young man those who join the Jesuit Society and other religious by Jesus Christ. orders. Diocesan priests do not have a vow of poverty. The evangelical counsels are not binding upon all and not pre-conditions in attaining eternal life. P.S. To Jane and Jojo, Sally and Anchit, in my restlessness, thank you for your companionship (an Ignatian virtue!!!). I am 2. It is possible to be rich, married, held in honor by all now clarified, at peace and no longer stubborn. men, obey the Commandments and enter heaven.

August 2013 9 2013 Independence Games: The 3rd Magis Youth Sportsfest Henry & Gay Cruz, Youth Ministry / Psalm 46-Samaritans BCGG

in favor of Team Kanluran at the end of the morning events. Interestingly, Jun Coronel and Claro Santos played an exhibition table tennis match before our lunch (just ask them if you want to know who won...) oinciding with the Philippine While all were very competitive during Independence Day the matches, the atmosphere of competition commemoration last June 12, completely disappeared during noon break 2013, the Magis Youth held its when everyone proceeded to KFC for Annual Sportsfest for the 3rd straight year C lunch, where they were joined by sportsfest at the Quezon City Sports Club. officials, parents and members of the Magis Nineteen youth members were grouped into two teams, Silangan and Kanluran. Several adult members of and tied the tally at 45 points, necessitating the Magis Community were the game a winner-take-all mixed final match. The top officials and scorers for the three sporting 4 scorers from each team (Angeline, Fiona, events of badminton, table tennis and Gabz and Joaquin for Silangan; Dani, Mika, bowling. Team Silangan was composed Cedric and Lance for Kanluran) battled it of Joaquin Aldeguer, Joia Aldeguer, Gabz out for the 2013 crown. After 40 minutes of Puthenpurekal, Angeline Concepcion, Gelo strikes and spares, Team Kanluran emerged Cruz, Fiona Mella, Sage Garcia, Erika victorious and bagged both the bowling and April Cruz, Jillian Marcelo and Anika Sun. the over-all Youth Sportsfest championship Team Kanluran had Alyanna Coronel, Dani for the year. Castillo, Sonya Castillo, Mika Isabella Cruz, Janais Aldeguer, Jeric Sun, Lance Marcelo, Deo Council. The air was full of fun and We thank and congratulate all the youth Rodney Perez and Adrian Coronel. camaraderie as the young ones and the players for their sportsmanship on top of the wonderful sporting skills they displayed. We Team Kanluran won all the badminton “young-once” shared food, stories and hope to have more of these in future events. events (Female Doubles, Male Doubles laughter. And thank you, parents, for your support. and Mixed Doubles) giving them 30 points The afternoon tenpin games proved against the 15 points of their competitor. to be a deciding event as the Silangan We thank Yella & Uriel Castillo and Team Silangan bounced back in the lone bowlers won both the Boy and Girl Matches Jojo Aldeguer for their instant support and table tennis match, making the tally 35-25 for becoming the event’s sports officials- cum-scorers; Manny & Leslie Gatchalian for reserving and arranging the venue for the sportsfest; Claro & Linda Santos, Jun & Ellen Coronel, Leony Parada, Susan Concepcion, Agnes Marcelo, Alice Atienza, Ferdie Cruz, Paul Puthenpurekal, Joy Rago and her daughters, Ricky & Trixie Sun, and Charley & Jay Ng Sy for supporting/gracing the occasion and playing/staying during the games. We thank Danny & Charito Dimayuga for their financial support for this undertaking. The same appreciation too for an anonymous Magis member who lent an amount we used during the day of the activity. Most importantly, we thank the Lord for giving us – especially our youth – sound bodies, hearts and minds to celebrate life through sports.

10 Magis Magis Youth Theater Camp Henry & Gay Cruz, Youth Ministry / Psalm 46-Samaritans BCGG

was a rainy weekend when 16 Magis Youth be held in the coming months to prepare for a major presentation at the It members attended the very first Magis Magis Deo Family Day in December. Youth Theater Camp/Workshop last May 25-26 at The Youth Ministry thanks Joy Rago and Miguel Braganza, Cesar the Chez Rafael Hotel inside De La Salle Lipa in & Marivic Pareja, Leony & Mia Parada, Lucy Mella, Ethel Araullo, Lipa City. Evelyn & Miles The camp was a joint project of the Youth San Pedro, Ministry and Joy Rago, who identified theater arts and many as an area where the youth can hone, polish and others for their express their artistic talents and use these to serve support in this inside and outside the Magis Deo Community. It undertaking. was also a venue for the youth to build confidence We praise and and self-esteem. Participating in this workshop were thank God for Angeline Concepcion, Fiona Mella, Daniella Castillo, this wonderful Sonya Castillo, Jillian Marcelo, Sage Garcia, Rodney opportunity for Perez, Eulah Araullo, Erika April Cruz, Mika Isabella the youth of Cruz, Annika Sun, Jeric Sun, Gabriel Puthenpurekal, Magis Deo. Daniel Puthenpurekal, Angeline Bumanglag and Kyla Ramos.

The Magis Youth were fortunate to have Mr. Miguel Braganza as lead trainor in this workshop where they were initially introduced to Broadway theater, focusing on song and dance performances. Miguel and Joy were assisted by Youth Ministry members Marnette Puthenpurekal, Peaches & Dennis Plaza, and Gay & Henry Cruz. Follow up sessions, including a scriptwriting workshop, will

August 2013 11 Leo & Marilyn Soliman, Organizing Committee Members

uly 12, 2013 was a day of reckoning for the 91 golfers who swung And the winners are: Jtheir trusted clubs at the Ayala Greenfields Golf and Country Club for Magis Deo’s “Drive for Power, Igniting for More” golf tournament. Around 40 players were expected to play on that beautiful Friday Class A Champion Ted Concepcion morning but 91 avid golfers came to play, giving our organizing 1st Runner Up Liza del Rosario committee headed by Eli Prieto and Miles San Pedro a “success problem.” Good thing Ting Yupangco was there wielding her magic Class B Champion Butch Marking wand that allowed all the players to tee off orderly. 1st Runner Up Danny Gozo The players were mesmerized by the grand Mt. Makiling backdrop of the golf course. Many no longer minded their scores; they simply Class C Champion Ruben Rubio enjoyed the view. 1st Runner Up Lot Basco Our official photographer Kaye Alagao kept clicking away at the beautiful people and scenery abounding. Jojo & Jane Aldeguer, Cesar Low Gross Champion Allan Remata & Marivic Pareja, and Charley & Jay Ng Sy ably presided over the Low Net Champion Edward Francisco awarding ceremonies while the players, guests and organizers savored the delicious food of the club. The players were all smiles with so many giveaways and prizes up for grabs. Fun Hole Winners All the late night meetings, tedious preparations, making “kulit” to Nearest to the pin at Hole No. 3 Miles San Pedro the sponsors, selling of tickets, all the stress, what if’s and anxieties, paid Most accurate drive at Hole No.17 Bok Malantik off. And all under the steady holding of the reins by Miles & Evelyn San Longest drive at Hole No. 2 Neil Toledo Pedro. Hats off to you guys for a smashing and successful endeavor.

Our heartfelt gratitude for the generous hearts of our dear sponsors:

Major Sponsors • SGV Foundation Inc. • Gatorade • Charter Ping An Insurance Corporation • Globe Business Solutions • Lots’A Pizza Franchise Systems, Inc. • International Container Terminal Services Inc. • Sonic Steel Industries Inc. • John BCGG • Merchant Express e-Card Services Inc. Sponsors and Donors • Mighty Sports Apparel and Accessories • ABS-CBN • Norkis Trading Co., Inc. • Best Hands Enterprise (BHE Golf Events) • Pilipinas Coconut Derivatives Inc./GL Lighting • Cana BCGG Access Phils. Inc. • DATEM Inc. • RNM Dynamics Philippines Inc. • Dynamic Outsource Solutions 1, Inc. • Standard Insurance Co., Inc. • First Philippine Holdings Corp. • Victorias Milling Corporation

12 Magis Drive for Power, Igniting for More

More pictures on page 17

August 2013 13 Creation of the Formation Ministry Ted M. Concepcion, Formation Ministry / Archangel Gabriel BCGG

Rationale Proposed Organization

Magis Deo members face the challenges The unified Formation Ministry will provide the of a fast-changing environment in all spheres following: of life be it social, political, ecological, • Pastoral care of each member in basic spiritual economic or technological. The demands formation; placed on couples to meet the needs of their family, work, civic, social and religious • Encouragement to all members to attend servant obligations, are greater now than a decade leadership formation guided by a “Companion”; ago. The rising cost of living, worsening traffic, • Spiritual direction and deepening for growth in changing lifestyles and values and other relationship with God; and stressful events lead members to re-examine • A formation tracking module for all members. their priorities in allocating time to address their various activities and commitments. The The merger of the SSFM and the MFM into the past decade shows a decreasing number Formation Ministry is a temporary condition to meet the of volunteers in Magis Deo who continue limited number of active members in the community. to actively participate in the community’s Once the numbers increase and the need for more programs and ministry activities. The fact specialized and more focused formation programs are that the same people attend and participate necessary, the unified Formation Ministry may again in community and ministry activities leads be split into two. one to ask where the other members are. The main objective of the Formation Ministry is to Community leaders have implemented monitor and track the holistic and spiritual formation several programs to invite members to of each member towards “our ideal to become become more active. However, the gains encountered couples and families who are called by made by these programs are at times short- the Lord to be ‘salt of the earth’”; to become men and lived and members’ participation slides back. women, couples and families for others. Through the The decreasing number of volunteers makes Formation Ministry, Magis Deo becomes the means for community goals more difficult to achieve. reaching out to serve others and a “refilling station, the The primary program of Magis Deo, the source of deeper spirituality and apostolic formation Marriage Encounter Weekend, also faces and growth.” challenges in recruitment. Through data-based management, the Formation In view of the limited number of Magis Ministry will synchronize its activities and effectively members actively serving the community, orchestrate the spiritual formation and tracking of each there is a need to streamline and optimize and every member of Magis Deo in coordination with available manpower resources in order to other ministries. Through its Members’ Formation achieve the community’s vision and mission. Curriculum (page 15), all members will be given A merger of the Membership Formation the opportunity to become capable servant leaders. Ministry (MFM) and the Shepherds and Through its Companion program, members will be Sharers Formation Ministry (SSFM) is a provided with a shepherd-companion in their spiritual viable and logical approach, and this has journey who will encourage them to achieve their life been approved by the Council. This merger purpose. will strengthen efforts of community leaders to enkindle the fire in members through the To achieve its objectives, the following committees consolidation, alignment and orchestration under the Formation Ministry will be formed: the of all formation programs. The community’s Members’ Formation committee, the Shepherds’ servant leaders under the guidance of The Formation committee, the Companion Program Good Shepherd, are the key change agents committee, and the Formation Database committee. in igniting the spirit of Magis in dormant For the primary functions, roles and responsibilities of members. each committee, one can refer to the Formation Ministry Organization Chart on page 16.

14 Magis Members’ Formation Curriculum

RATIONALE COURSES TIMETABLE RESOURCES Phase 1: Pre-requisite Family Encounter Weekend Magis Deo MEM (FEW) Life in the Spirit Seminar To be completed w/in God Loves Commu- To complete the basic orientation of (LSS) the first two (2) years nity / Others self, couple, family, community, and Spiritual Deepening Retreat of BCGG member- country Thru FM (SDR) ship CEFAM / MEFP Christian Parenting for Peace and Justice (CPPJ) Phase 2: Basic Leadership Courses Introduction to Servant Magis Deo / MEFP Thru FM Leadership Magis Deo / MEFP / Facilitating Skills Workshop Praxis Ministry External

Basic Counseling Skills Magis Deo / CEFAM Praxis Ministry

Prayer Workshop / Basic FM / Praxis Magis Deo / External To gain knowledge, skills, and attitudes Bible Study To be completed Ministry for the three-pronged role of the Shep- Leadership and Management within two (2) years Magis Deo / External FM herd: pastoral care-giver and formator, Skills from registration in group facilitator, and administrator Principles of Social Develop- the Program Magis Deo / External FM ment Work

Shepherding 1 & 2 MEFP / Others Thru FM

Annual Ignatian Retreat I CIS / Others Thru FM

Annual Ignatian Retreat II, III, CIS / Others Thru FM IV, etc. Phase 3: Spiritual Direction Introduction to Spiritual Direc- To be completed w/ To strengthen one’s prayer life and EMMAUS / CIS FM tion and Practicum in two (2) years from acquire techniques in determining the registration in the kind of help others may need Spiritual Direction Program EMMAUS / CIS FM Phase 4: Spiritual Deepening Electives: CIS FM To establish a deeper personal relation- 5-day or 8-day Retreat ship with God and become a more ef- Per schedule of CIS fective witness, role model and leader RDL: 18th Annotation CIS FM for others RDL: 19th Annotation CIS FM

Others:

To provide continuing inputs in the for- Continue education series on To be offered every Magis Deo Ministries FM mation of Shepherds / Alternate Heads Shepherds Formation semester / Others

To provide reorientation on the differ- To be conducted just Magis Deo Ministry / Orientation Modules on ME MEM / FM / ent shepherding requirements of ME before taking on the Committee con- & BCGG Praxis Ministry Classes and BCGGs specific assignment cerned

Lifted from 2006 Shepherds Manual with modifications. Originally developed by Mossesgelds, Palmas & other Servant Leaders. July 5, 2011 & July 21, 2013

August 2013 15 Formation Ministry Organization

Formation Ministry

Council Overseer Ministry Advisers

Committee Committee Committee Committee on on on on Members’ Shepherds’ Companion Formation Formation Formation Program Database

 Implements   Phases 1 and 2 of  Implements Phases 3 Identifies Monitors Members’ and 4 of “Members’ “Companions” of members’ and Formation Formation ME/BCGG shepherd’s Curriculum in Curriculum” Shepherds and formation and coordination with Alternates inputs into FM-Committee on  Schedules and database. Formation coordinates Database and PM formation programs identifying resource  Monitors  Inputs formation persons and formation needs taken by of shepherds in members and  Schedules and managing logistics coordinates for the program. coordination coordinates with formation with Committee shepherds programs on Shepherds’ members identifying  Identifies formation Formation and attendance of resource persons needs not included in Praxis Ministry. formation and managing curriculum and programs. logistics for the coordinates with program resource persons for short talks/courses.  Monitors and  Manages provides formation formation needs tracking  Refer to  Coordinates with “Members’ Praxis Ministry for of “Companions”. database in Formation shepherds’ formation coordination with Curriculum” needs Praxis Ministry.

 Identifies speakers on Shepherding and other topics identified by shepherds

16 Magis August 2013 17 Mu s i c a l No t e s

Life is but a dream Leslie Gatchalian Sing to the Lord BCGG

Thirty-six years ago, I was magagamit ko yan?” It struck two months pregnant with my my heart, half believing him (in son Gybi. I was in my first year of my mind: Oh, my! Bakit nga medicine proper. My classmates, ba?) but I proceeded to do half-eager to see if I was really what I deemed right. Gybi was with child and half-skeptical on a gem in my hand, hidden in how I would manage my studies, unpolished rock, rough but of doted on me. Two weeks before highest quality. It is very sad I the Christmas break, Gybi was never understood Gybi’s ways. born. I visited him in the nursery It’s unfortunate I failed to see every day, worried his head the genuine goodness, as I might be uneven sleeping just on was consumed by my worry one side. When we got home, he about his existence when I cried a lot and I got really busy pass away! taking care of him. I worried Gybi had a seizure last when I left him at home to go to March 27. He was found med school; when I got home convulsing in a pavement gutter the first thing I would do is to Gybi bonding with mom Leslie over tea. (June 2013) along Ortigas. He had a second embrace and carry him. When one the last week of April at he learned to laugh, we laughed Gateway Mall. He just woke up till we fell asleep; sometines he sleeps first, child-rearing, bills. Gybi never thought of in a wheelchair with two guards beside him. then I study till I fall asleep. I am awakened himself, he was always happy to be of Manny told me a few times, “Hinahanda ka at times with the sound of my notes or books help and put a smile on someone’s lips. ng Diyos” because Gybi survived the two being chewed! Not only did he lend a helping hand, he seizures and good citizens helped him. Gybi was easy to care for, and was reached out. He was a friend not only to his A few days after recovering from his never a hindrance to my career. Time just brothers and sisters but to the scavengers, first seizure, Gybi left home and could went by – he was almost 3 and I was a clerk the magbabakal, the garbage collector, the not be contacted. A month later, he called and had to go on duty as a 4th year student. water delivery guy, security guards and saying he was on his way home in a Before I knew it, he was grown up and I kasambahay. He was generous to a fault, taxi, scared because he had a second sent him to IWK Grace Hospital in Nova seemingly unmindful about tomorrow. “God seizure, and did not know why he loses Scotia for orthoptics training. He obliged will provide,” is his response to concerns consciousness. Diagnostic tests last May and worked as an eye tech but he was I remind him about. He was humble and 6 showed he had a 5.5 cm right frontal lobe just submitting to what I thought was good meek but spoke boldly about what he tumor with ill-defined borders, too big to be for him. Slowly his love for music surfaced thought was best. I kept up with insurance removed or treated with pinpoint radiation. and he got admitted to Citrus College in policies, to ensure a smoother life for my What a shocking and sorrowful moment! California for Entertainment Technology. son when I leave this earthly life. But my As a doctor, scenarios ran in my head and This was the time though when piracy plan is not God’s plan. God’s will is perfect; consoling words fell on my deaf ears. My almost killed the music industry. He didn’t I can never fully prepare for that. God gave heart broke and I didn’t want to remove my lose heart after graduation and worked me years to savor Gybi’s presence and love. gaze from my son, knowing the short time as a medical secretary at a private clinic God made me realize the present is the time left. I could not sleep for a week; my eyes while taking up nursing at the University of to enjoy what God gives for the moment, to were wide open, staring into nothingness Las Vegas. He met Analyn, and after three do your best according to His will, to live life until sunrise. I could not talk about it. My years Sophia was born to them. As they to the fullest. siblings were surprised when I told them were in the US, I missed most of Sophia’s Gybi shared what he had instead of only three weeks later. I tried to prepare first years. amassing them. He once told me “How myself but I can only prepare so much. Gybi suddenly came back in 2002 come you are storing for me for the future? Indescribable pain. A pain that makes you somewhat confused. Things seemed the How sure are you these will have value cry even without tears. There was an urge usual – regular day-to-day problems, for me by then? Ipon ka ng ipon, ngayon to embrace Gybi but there’s only thin air. coping with adulthood and relationships, ko siya kailangan. Paano mo alam na Continued on page 21

18 Magis Superman: The Voice of God Eunice Eliana A. Araullo, Magis Youth

uperman, created by son who did household work with his With our obedience to God, there is Jerry Siegel and Joe parents. These remind us that thirty of the something that we get – God’s trust in man. Shuster, first appeared thirty-three years of Jesus’ earthly existence In the movie the U.S. military kept Superman as a comic series in were hidden and devoted to working as under close surveillance. Superman the 1930’s. Initially featured as villain-like, a commoner, living with His family and destroyed the device used to track him Superman’s creators later turned him into friends. In our quest to imitate Christ, we then confronted the military general with his a superhero who incited the masses in the must love ordinary life and do our work the terms. The general responded as if tempting U.S., then the world, with “Truth, Justice, best way we can, just as our Lord did. Superman, “What makes you think I’m doing and the American Way.” In trying to live like Jesus, faith and what you tell me?” Superman walked away, In Man of Steel, the 2013 remake of obedience are integral. And when we have simply saying, “I do trust you, General.” the Superman franchise, writer David Goyer nothing left, we learn to cling to God and “I trust you.” and director Christopher Nolan develop a submit ourselves to His might. Such was Everything good we do and can do more concrete concept to the time-worn the obedience of Lois Lane to the ghost better, matter to God. The minute things we tale of the Last Son of Krypton, reiterating of Jor-El in the enemy’s ship. To her best, do – being punctual at meetings, leaving the to Christian masses: Kal-El, “the voice of she followed every command of Jor-El; sink clean for the next person, treating staff God.” and when impossible situations arose, with kindness, being patient in bad traffic Jor-El took charge and closed the door to How was Superman like Christ? – all get magnified in the eyes of God. He any harm that could befall Lois. God, just creates a ripple of miracles and change for A number of articles in the internet say like Jor-El, gives us only the crosses we the biblical life of Christ emerges in Man the better, much more than we see, because can bear. The rest we give up to God with no one sees the bigger picture but God. of Steel because of several similarities complete faith. between Christ and Kal-El. In one scene Hypocrisy and the desire for recognition Clark Kent is macro-shot in the foreground Not everyone had the grace to be are part of our wounded nature as humans with the stained-glass image of Jesus’ Agony obedient. In the movie this character is Zod. but it pays to go against these for something in the Garden in the background. Jesus in Jor-El and Zod initially worked together better. It is to please God in the little the garden is the perfect comparison to for an ideal world. The generation of life ordinary things, doing these the way Christ Clark’s situation then – despite His divinity, in Krypton was like that of earth: through did, helping His father in carpentry and swinging to His vulnerable, distressed natural birth. Zod came up with a man-made His mother in household chores. Power human side. Some film critics describe system for reproduction, altering God’s laws lunches and recognition may be the great Superman “hovering in the sky with arms of nature. Zod’s pride and personal motives miracles, but our early morning routine and stretched out like the crucifix.” (Craig, resulted in Krypton’s end. Zod’s actions are the jeepney ride to school are Christ’s thirty 2013). In another scene with Lois Lane, likened to Lucifer’s, who once was the most years of hidden life. And like Him, we live in Superman tells of his thirty-three years of beautiful and highest of the angels. God the knowledge that God trusts us, sees what existence, the age of Christ at the end of created angels to collaborate and share we do, and most of all, loves and blesses His three years of public ministry. in the divinity of their Creator, yet Lucifer us with great things that we see only much wasn’t content – he wanted to be like God The panorama of Kal-El as the son later. After all, it is only He who sees the but without God. This gave rise to the sin big picture. of a higher being, Jor-El, is a significant of pride, our first parents’ sins, sins that are comparison to Jesus’ Divine Sonship. Kal- passed down to us. “Sometimes you have to take a leap of El was sent from a “sophisticated” world faith first. The trust part comes later.” down to a “primitive” planet. Just like Christ, As much as Clark was invincible, – Priest, Man of Steel while Clark could have overpowered his he lived every moment with the help and enemies, he did not fight back. He let his instruction of his real father. “We see here a References: captors handcuff him and put him under parallelism with Jesus. He was God, but he chose to depend on his Father God. Jesus Nolan, C., et al (Producer), & Snyder, Z., et al (Director). (June 14, their custody. Clark’s parents, Jonathan and 2013). Man of Steel. United States: Warner Bros. Pictures. Martha Kent, knew they should keep a low is unique because he is both true God and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman profile, raising Clark with humility and love true man (i.e., his human and divine nature http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0770828/ co-exist in his one Person). Thus, as God Craig, J. (June 14, 2013). ‘Man of Steel’ filled with Jesus, for the ordinary life. Christianity References. Retrieved from: http://www.foxnews.com/ and as man, he truly suffered: he got hurt, entertainment/2013/06/14/man-steel-filled-with-jesus-christianity- What does Man of Steel teach us? tempted and experienced defeat, even references/ Cohn, A. (June 2013). Superman Isn’t Jesus. Retrieved from: In the early parts of the movie, Clark though he could have avoided all these. http://www.christianitytoday.com/women/2013/june/superman- was portrayed as a maritime employee, a He took on suffering for a higher reason, isnt-jesus.html Cronin, B. (July 4, 2008). Top Five Superman Nicknames. Retrieved part-timer in a pub, a manual worker in an for love for mankind.” (I. Estillore, personal from: http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2008/07/04/ icy region, and most of all, as a kind-hearted communication, July 5, 2013). top-five-superman-nicknames/

August 2013 19 NNeeww s sBBi ti t s s / A Ann n n o o u u n ncemecemenn t t s s

MEFP Lifetime Achievement Award

Jun & Mila Sison (4th and 5th from left) receive the Certificate of Recognition from the Marriage Encounter Founda- tion of the Philippines during the July 22, 2013 General Assembly of the MEFP at the Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman. This is their Lifetime Achievement Award for propagating the spread of the Marriage Encounter Seminar all over the country.

ME Class 111 will be the auxiliaries and the sponsoring class of the August 23- 25, 2013 Marriage Encounter Weekend. They sought the recruitment support of the community at the July 6 ComCeleb and provided free medical services and flu vaccines and skin products at greatly discounted prices.

The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart. It is for us to pray not for tasks equal to our powers, but for powers equal to our tasks, to go forward with a great desire forever beating at the door of our hearts as we travel toward our distant goal. - Helen Keller

20 Magis Simplicity... siya rin ang mag-i-implement.” This did The Four... not discourage one member from making cont. from p. 8 cont. from p. 5 more suggestions. He was that passionate about the activity. In the end, I reminded him: “Hoy! Suggestions mo, gawa mo.” Without batting an eyelash, he replied, “OK! Pero tulungan ninyo ako.” In chorus, two masters degrees and a doctorate we said, “Yes!” I made myself available. sa loob din ng anim na taon. However, I Kaya nakatulong ako. Edith and I have The fourth S is Stewardship. Fr. noticed that he was straightforward in his made ourselves available to many Magis James defined stewardship as living the explanation and at ease with the status of undertakings: voter’s education, pastoral evangelical counsels or the 3 S’s. It is to his studies. At that moment, I had to remind council, formation ministry, community take care of what we are entrusted with. myself I am just his steward. At this point services, outreach programs, ME, LSS, The most visible act of stewardship is in his life I could not dictate what he would family encounter, suyuan, etc. I am glad caring for the family. Second, we take care want to be in his career or studies. Before that new and younger couples have now of our community, and third, we take care we parted he said, “Dad, may laro ka in a stepped up their participation. However, I of our church. Stewardship is all about few hours. Sana makatulog ka pa. Enjoy still continue to make available in Magis gratitude. It is a response of gratitude to your game.” I replied, “Good night. Sleep activities my God-given gifts of time, talent what has been given to us. As stewards well also.” I played one of my worst golf and treasure... in my simple ways. of creation, we should strive to become games the next day, yet I enjoyed my game. perfect as our Father is perfect. Maybe I was energized by my intimate Tony del Rosario defined stewardship conversation with my son. So, nasaan as what we do with what we receive. We ang simplicity dito? It was present in the Life is... have accountabilities to God and this conduct of our talk. At ease kami sa isa’t cont. from p. 18 includes not only material things but also isa na hindi namin namalayan ang takbo ng relationships. He said that our lives are oras. Simplicity was present in me listening precious gifts and must be shared with to my son and not insisting on my ways. others. The challenge to us is to go where Simplicity was present in my son’s sincerity; there is a greater need. Tony sees God’s in his wishing me to enjoy my game; in my love for him wherever he goes and he enjoying his company that night; in both of believes he should reflect God’s love for us talking until dawn; in the way we ended God took Gybi back during his last him to others and share with those with our conversation. major seizure. He has taken Gybi to a less in life and in need. He shared that he In my relationship with God, I remind better place where there are no more and wife Aida share God’s love by being myself I am but a speck, a dot, a mustard headaches, pain and seizures. God loves couple sharers in the marriage encounter seed. I need God’s graces to allow me Gybi. weekends, being members of the pastoral to grow in importance and significance. Last July 8 (the 9th day), I dreamt Gybi council, assisting in formation programs, Simplicity is one of God’s graces. I only have stood up from the dining table, in a hurry being ME shepherds, and by reaching out to receive it faithfully. However, I also need to leave. He smiled and said, “Goodbye, to our marginalized brothers by building discipline to let it grow within me and make mom.” To make sure I heard him, he came homes in GK Aya Village for informal settler it real in my life. For example, I find it easy closer, and almost to my face again said, families. to play the guitar because I have been doing “Goodbye, mom.” Then for the third time, Fr. James said we are all called to it regularly since grade school. Similarly, he said it loud enough to wake me up! My live the evangelical counsels of Poverty, simplicity can be my daily disposition if I eyes suddenly opened like a doll’s eyes, Chastity and Obedience, otherwise known am faithful to it. unblinking. My surroundings were so quiet as the three S’s of Simplicity, Sharing and In Magis Deo, how do I practice and the sun’s rays were just coming out. Service in the context of the Magis Deo simplicity? I believe availability is one of the Then I realized it was a real goodbye. I community. When we live the evangelical qualities that manifests simplicity. I cannot cried and spoke softly so as not to awaken counsels, we become stewards of all that give nor gain from simplicity if not made Manny. I said, “Go to heaven.” I waved my we are entrusted with. From the statements available. For me, availability does not hand so Gybi would know I heard him, that made by Eli Prieto, Jun Sison, Monchito mean that which is in excess or the ability to I was thankful and felt loved by him to have Mossesgeld and Tony del Rosario, we see allocate what I can part with. It is not even a come to say goodbye. After that, I was able that the 4 S’s are closely intertwined and fixed percentage or a large amount. Rather, to go about the house peacefully. there is really a very thin line differentiating it reflects the internal reality of my simplicity My son Gybi took care of me by one from the other. From this we learn that it to make available God’s gifts of time, talent leaving me with good loving memories and does not really matter what words we use or and treasure. At one animated meeting of wisdom. He is at peace now with our Lord how we differentiate them; what is essential the Community Services Ministry, many God the Father in heaven. is that the evangelical counsels or the 4 S’s, ideas were brought forth and discussions however we want to call them, become a God, look kindly upon the soul of my dragged on for hours. One wise person way of life for each and every one of us. son for Christ saved us all! proposed: “kung sino ang magsa-suggest, Susan Ddr. Concepcion Archangel Gabriel BCGG

August 2013 21 Sp i r i t u a l Ti d b i t s a n d Hu m o r Rey Mella, Ephesians BCGG

On community of faith

“You must not lose faith in humanity. One thing I have learned is Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops that as my faith in God increases, of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not I am pushed; actually, more like become dirty.” encouraged and inspired to do more for the community and for God. It is a – Mahatma Gandhi “vicious” cycle because as I do more ______for God and the community, my faith also increases. I searched the phrase and learned more about it. Much later, I reflected on it and My faith has dramatically increased ______over time as I became more aware of God’s found that it is such a simple philosophy that I found really intriguing and useful. presence in my daily life and I got more “Faith is to believe what you do not involved with the community. see; the reward of this faith is to see what Of course, that person got the job. I have a book entitled “More is Less.” It you believe.” ______is about personal productivity improvement. – Saint Augustine It teaches about doing and producing more “Faith is not the belief that God will in less time. In the community and in my ______do what you want. It is the belief that God spiritual life, however, it is the opposite. will do what is right.” Doing more is better. Doing more for God, Johnny goes to the parish revival and – Max Lucado that is. listens to the preacher. After a while, the preacher asks anyone with needs to be ______prayed over to come forward to the front at the church. In a short article I found in the internet, In my work place I constantly remind one Christina Watson defined divine the people in my team, down to the lowest Johnny gets in line, and when it’s his discontent as follows: level, of their responsibility to do what is turn, the preacher asks: “Johnny, what do you want me to pray about for you?” “Whenever we are not living in our ‘true asked of them. I tell them that each of them place’ we experience what is called ‘Divine is counted as one, and not a fraction of Johnny replies: “Preacher, I need you Discontent.’ It is an inner urging that calls one, and that when they don’t do their job, to pray for my hearing.” us forth to our next growth opportunity. the entire team is affected. We are all in The preacher puts one finger in Yet so often we ignore it or procrastinate this together, I say. It is very important that Johnny’s ear, and he places the other on listening to it. And usually something people know what and why they are in the hand on top of Johnny’s head and prays unexpected happens to throw us into a company; otherwise, somewhere out there, and prays and prays. After a few minutes, state of having to listen.” a customer suffers and gets bad products the preacher removes his hands, stands from our company. Similarly, author Michael Youssef says back and asks Johnny: “Johnny, how is your almost the same thing: “Your dissatisfaction Similarly, in the community, everyone hearing now?” with life can be a good thing. God’s Word needs to do their little thing to contribute Johnny says, “I don’t know, preacher, demonstrates that dissatisfaction with life is to the wholeness and effectiveness of the it’s not in court until next Wednesday.” a spiritual problem. It’s an inner thirst that community. – www.christianfunnypictures.com can be quenched only by God.” In his book Learning from the session on “I am of the same title, he talks about “biblical No Moses” by Manny Blas, we need ______characters whose lives demonstrated the to give what we have received. Manny redemptive power of Divine Discontent. teaches us, “Our spiritual gifts are totally During interviews, I always ask what These heroes of Scripture followed their undeserved; that’s why these gifts should the person’s general philosophy on life is. inner restlessness back to God…” In a recent interview of a manufacturing be shared with the community.” He says ______further, “we should be grateful, and then, supervisor candidate, the interviewee said we should be so thankful that we cannot she believes in divine discontent. Divine “Faith is taking the first step even help but share.” discontent? What is that, I asked. She went when you don’t see the whole staircase.” on to explain about the daily opportunity to ______learn and to always be open to learning, – Martin Luther King, Jr. improving oneself and learning from others. Continued on page 23

22 Magis Empty our Hearts The Way to Live An opening prayer Levy Domingo, Song of Ruth BCGG Chacho Angeles, Thessalonians BCGG

The more you give the more you get, Our hearts are filled forever The more you laugh the less you fret. With concerns about our work, And money for our food, home and health; The more you do unselfishly, With the hurts that we suffer The more you live abundantly. From our loved ones and our friends; The more of everything you share, With the fear and anxiety of the future. The more you’ll always have to spare. By Your grace grant us pause, The more you love the more you’ll find So in solitude we can pray. That life is good, and friends are kind. Lift the burdens from our hearts, For only what you give away Empty our hearts of distractions and Non-essentials that only make us cope Enriches us from day to day. But leave us unsatisfied. Let us hear our breathing And the passing of a breeze. Let us feel our own heartbeats. Let us see the beauty of your creation, Birthdays & anniversaries... continued from page 24 And contemplate the majesty of the heavens Which all mirror Your Divine glory. 14 Joey & Portia Eustaquio III Genesis of David Fill our hearts with your words and 17 Asher & Emie Dolina ME Class 105 Your light, to banish the darkness of 30 Noel & Joey Lorenzana Archangel Gabriel 31 Rey & Rachel Binag ME Class 100 Uncertainty and doubt, in community Zar & Luz Gascon ME Class 112 With all Your children. Fill our hearts Birthdays - First 10 days of September With your fulfilling presence, and forever 02 Jaear Briones Good Shepherd Strengthen our covenant with You, Jhun Hipolito ME Class 109 Our Father… Au Juanzon Good Shepherd Joe Loriega ME Class 108 04 Nel Guanio ME Class 01 06 Ricky Perez Tala 07 Boyet Ambata Ephesians On community... continued from page 22 Ynna Camacho ME Class 112 Marivic Canoso Magnificat A friend was in front of me coming out of church one day, Regie De Guzman Corinthians and the vicar was standing at the door, as he always was, to 08 Henry Cruz Psalm 46-Samaritans 09 Zar Gascon ME Class 112 shake hands with the worshippers. 10 Lon Alagao Good Shepherd The vicar grabbed my friend by the hand, pulled him aside, Chito Alnajes ME Class 108 and said, “You need to join the army of the Lord.” Glo Boren Agnus Dei My friend replied, “I’m already in the army of the Lord, Anniversaries - First 10 days of September Father.” 08 Noel & Dina Valdes ME Class 111 Art & Neds Vargas Easter So the vicar inquired, “Then how come I don’t see you except at Christmas and Easter?”

My friend whispered back, “I’m in the secret service.” Official Publication of the Magis Deo Community 2/F Spiritual-Pastoral Center, ADMU Campus, Q.C. – http://ah69.wordpress.com Magis Council Chaircouple ______Editor-in-Chief Cesar & Marivic Pareja Photographers Rufo Dacanay Ferdie Cruz Editorial Board Anchit Chua Chiaco “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known Contributors Sally Chua Chiaco Claro Santos Rey Mella Tina Mossesgeld God.” Publication Clyde Abapo Tony del Rosario Ramie & Mimi Santos – Corrie ten Boom Zarah Gagatiga Joy Uy-Tioco Please send articles, reactions, feedback to [email protected]

August 2013 23 Calendar of Activities: August - October 2013 August Venue Contacts / Sponsors 03 Sat Community Celebration 3/F, San Carlos Lay Formation Center South Sector, Finance Ministry Guadalupe, Makati City Transfiguration, Mt. Olivet, Jeremiah/Philippians 10-11 Spiritual Leadership Seminar, Batch 2 CeFam MEFP 426-4206 15 Council Meeting Magis Office, 2/F Annex, CeFam Bldg. Magis Deo 426-7191 Food Host: Santos 23-25 Marriage Encounter Weekend BLD Covenant House Ike & Josie Llamas 821-0639 ME Class 114 – P3,400/couple Dasmariñas, Cavite SD: Fr. James Gascon, SJ 24-25 LSS (Life in the Spirit Seminar) Christ the King Parish Clyde & Patchot Abapo 0922-8098768 Greenmeadows Avenue, White Plains, Q.C. 24 ME-2 Team Training CeFam MEFP 426-4206 September 08 Sun Magis in Motion. Family in Action Ateneo College Covered Court Rhea Gaddi 0917-5607375 5:00 AM P250 Participation Fee Loyola Heights, Quezon City Alex Reyes 0917-8343946 8:30 AM Community Celebration Jane Aldeguer 975-5536 19 Council Meeting Magis Office, 2/F Annex, CeFam Bldg. Magis Deo 426-7191 Food Host: Sun 21-22 Team Training Batch 3 Week-1 ISO MEFP 426-4206 October 05 Sat Community Celebration 3/F, San Carlos Lay Formation Center North Sector, Praxis Ministry Election of Pastoral Council Guadalupe, Makati City South & Central BCGGs “Servant Leadership” 05 MEFP Family Day TBA MEFP 426-4206 17 Council Meeting Magis Office, 2/F Annex, CeFam Bldg. Magis Deo 426-7191 Food Host: Pareja 18 4th Tanseco Cup Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club MEFP 426-4206 26-27 Team Training CeFam MEFP 426-4206

August Birthday Celebrants Joey Vargas Easter 01 Kaye Alagao Good Shepherd 22 Chris Villamin ME Class 106 02 Andy Mangahas ME Class 107 23 Rolly Beltran Genesis of David Iris Porte ME Class 111 Jay Ng Sy Agnus Dei 03 Kev Qui ME Class 110 Peaches Plaza Easter 04 Carlos Vargas ME Class 107 25 Malou Caramat Jeremiah-Philippians 05 Neil Toledo ME Class 110 Margo Flores ME Class 108 07 Karen Basbas ME Class 111 Grace Moselina Mustard Seed Trixie Sun Archangel Gabriel Rox Osados Mustard Seed 08 Boy Cruz ME Class 106 Malou Ronquillo ME Class 106 09 Nilo Sta. Maria Magnificat Linda Santos Agnus Dei 10 Terry Abella Mustard Seed 26 Precy Ramos ME Class 107 Shella Ampongan Song of Ruth Suni Rodriguez Remnants Larnz Briones Good Shepherd Petz Tabios ME Class 112 Val Lim ME Class 110 27 Rosie Pineda ME Class 107 Lorns Merioles ME Class 108 Edna Sandico ME Class 108 11 Susan Concepcion Archangel Gabriel 28 Henry Cornejo Archangel Gabriel Beth Loriega ME Class 108 Agnes Tumaneng Psalm 46-Samaritans 12 Claire Palma Cana 29 Dwin Billoso ME Class 106 13 Lito Gonzales John Danny Collado Song of Ruth Wendell Pili ME Class 107 Merl Cruz ME Class 106 Maricar Tariman ME Class 109 Jun Ona Archangel Gabriel 14 Johnny de Veyra ME Class 98 30 Alex Caramat Jeremiah-Philippians 15 Zarah Gagatiga Mt. Olivet Sheila Joson Sirach 16 Clyde Abapo Jeremiah-Philippians Leila Leccio Transfiguration Joey Eustaquio III Genesis of David 31 Gaya Antonio Mt. Olivet Emil Pereyra ME Class 111 August Wedding Anniversaries Phil Tumaneng Psalm 46-Samaritans 17 Josie Llamas Genesis of David 03 Jhun & Jonah Hipolito ME Class 109 18 Chacho Angeles III Thessalonians Val & Joan Lugti Genesis of David Maan Masungsong Good Shepherd 08 Beaujing & Bliss Acot ME Class 112 19 Harry Chua Sirach Lee & Abby Bueno ME Class 106 20 Marcia Balderas Archangel Gabriel Ramie & Mimi Santos Psalm 46-Samaritans Jovelyn Joaquin ME Class 101 10 Rudy & Lyn Ebardo Jeremiah-Philippians 21 Fred Buenaventura Sirach 12 Edwin & Chelle Biola ME Class 106 Ariel Masungsong Good Shepherd 13 Jun & Angel Ylagan ME Class 112 Cesar Pareja Agnus Dei Continued on page 23

24 Magis