By Grace Madriñan
I have attended the Kerygma Conference last year, and I had a blast. Lots of praise and worship, inspirational talks that melt your heart -- the Holy Spirit filled the air. You bet I'm still singing praises even months after the event! That's why I made a decision not to miss it this year, and this time it was held at the Big Dome; very well fit for this year's theme "Dream BIG, Win BIG"
But this year was a lot different. First, I was only able to attend the 2nd day of the event. As much as I have decided to attend the 2-day event even months before, I have to miss the 1st day to attend a friend's wedding. Second, I have to attend it alone, well, proximity at least , because my friend was at the patron seating while I'm on the upper box level. Nonetheless, the 2nd day proved to be a Spirit-filled day for me. So, today I want to share my observations and experiences on this event:
Praise and worship at its best. The day started with a praise and worship led by Father Joseph Skelton, an American missionary based in Bohol . With the Music Ministry and his powerful worship, he sure roused the Holy Spirit into the Big Dome! It was great to see people lifting up their hands singing praises at the top of their lungs to one Father. For a Catholic community who is usually passive and conservative, it was refreshing to see people of all ages and social stature expressing themselves freely, in worship to one God.
Mind-blowing realizations. Throughout the event, you will hear thoughts which will either pinch your heart or blow your mind away. From Bo Sanchez talk on "Shine Your Light", there was one verse which he quoted from the Bible that stuck in my mind, " You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16)" This meant a great deal to me because I was one of those people who is too cautious and hesitant to volunteer their talents thinking that others may view it as being too self-absorbed or overconfident. It's a confirmation for people like me that if your intention is motivated by your passion to serve God and others, then you are doing the right thing. In a world where humility is defined the wrong way, it is difficult to go against the flow but it is the only way for God's light to shine through you.
And just when I thought that his talk is coming to a close, Brother Bo Sanchez presented a surprise props on stage. For a while, I actually thought he meant it that he has a special prize for raffle hidden under the cloth. When he took the cloth off, under it was a first class, bronze-polished, fully-cushioned coffin. He said it right, when he mentioned that no matter who you are, or what position you may hold -- we will all end up in a box. It's not a matter of 'if', it's a matter of when. He said, "Don't wait too long for you to shine. So shine more, love more, serve more." And it does not have to be about going out and saving the world, it can start as simple as loving and serving your family and neighbors more.
A Solemn Mass graced by His Eminence. What better way to celebrate the 1st Sunday of Advent than having His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Archbishop of Manila, presiding the mass along with 3 other priests. In his homily, he started by commending the Kerygma team for holding such event. He also emphasized the importance of the Holy Eucharist by saying that the mass is a prayer for Jesus, and we, Catholics, are privileged to have such gift of the Eucharist. I can see by the look on his face how delighted he was to see the crowd united in one celebration. His talk revolved around that Sunday's Gospel which was about Jesus' Second Coming. It talked of signs written in the sun, moon and stars and how people will be frightened in anticipation. But Cardinal Rosales said that His coming should not only be about terrifying signs from the heavens. It should be about us becoming a sign of His presence to others. Even a small sign of compassion and charity will introduce to someone the presence of Jesus.
Moving performances. Alvin Barcelona and the Himaya band performed a medley of songs which are very much apt for this year's event -- 'Mangarap Ka' (an original by After Image) and 'Liwanag sa Dilim' (an original by Rivermaya). But a personal favorite of mine was his rendition of the song 'Who am I?", originally sung by the Casting Crowns. His song, blended in the collage of heart-warming pictures shown in the background, gave it all away and I can definitely hear soft sobs in the audience.
Gift of healing right before your eyes. I have been blessed to have witnessed healing right before my eyes. Brother Bob Canton has a special healing session and I admire him for being generous in sharing his gift. Not only did he facilitate healing, he also enabled other members of the Light of Jesus community to be instruments of healing by letting them help in the session. Also, he does not just go about performing the healing session, he made it clear in his talk that before a person can be healed, one needs to repent, forgive and surrender to God in all faith. Furthermore, he said that you don't need to be physically touched by a healer to be healed. If you pray fervently for healing, you will receive healing by God's grace.
It felt really great having attended this event. I may not personally know the girl seating next to me, but her smile is an evidence of our shared joy towards the event. It was a good breather to a world swamped with bad news and controversies. Going home after the event, I feel renewed and armed with an experience to remind me how BIG I am, and most of all how BIG my GOD is! Until the next Kerygma Conference!
Kerygma Conference is a yearly Catholic event presented by the Light of Jesus which aims to bring more people to rekindle the fire in their spiritual life through powerful talks and exhortations from renowned Charismatic preachers and priests and worship experience that provides respite from today’s hurried pace.
(Photos courtesy of Ms Fely Santiago)
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