“Even the heaviest crosses become a gift and service”, shared by Lito Tayag, a member of the CFC International Council, during the Mission Core Gathering last May 4, 2025, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, Metro Manila. This is a monthly prayer assembly for Couples for Christ’s leaders from different sectors, family ministries, and programs.
An Empowering Breakfast
With a theme of God Empowers, this month’s MCG on Good Shepherd Sunday likened CFC leaders to Simon Peter, who, despite failing miserably as an apostle by denying Jesus three times, was commissioned to care for the people most precious to Him. Jesus’ gesture of preparing breakfast on the shore for the disciples showed not just an example of bestowing peace and forgiveness on one another but God’s own initiative to lovingly shepherd His children back into Himself.
During the Holy Mass, Rev. Fr. Douglas Badong of St. Joseph Parish in Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila, explained how Jesus in the Gospel spoke of the cost of following Him and that it would not be easy to love and forgive. Yet, leaders were “mercifully chosen”, referencing how the young Jorge Bergoglio’s deep contemplation on Saint Matthew’s calling became the banner of mercy under which the Argentinian cardinal shepherded the Church as Pope Francis.
The attendees were reminded that it was God who was at work throughout their leadership roles. It was He who individually transformed them with grace to live out the Gospel and equipped them with strength for their ministry. Amidst the various ways to serve others, leaders are invited to level up in their prayers and convert them into acts of charity. Leaders are also called to serve as witnesses to God’s power communicated through the Holy Spirit, to reconcile and restore the Church throughout the world.
In his homily, Fr. Douglas highlighted the clear and wholehearted response necessary for Jesus’ question of “Do you love me more than these?” Saying ‘I love you’ comes with responsibility and capacity to love. That, in accepting the call to mission, one must be prepared to follow Jesus and take on the responsibility of serving even those who are difficult to love. And in responding with ‘I love you,’ it must have come from a heart that is confident and genuine in loving. Because there are many people who serve, there are many others who want to serve, but not all of them love.
Moreover, Fr. Douglas encouraged the CFC to empower its members to fulfill civic duties through political participation and discernment. Citing the various electoral campaigns in many lower-income areas throughout the Philippines, he appealed for CFCs to enlighten their local communities into scrutinizing candidates and their platforms. He reiterates that love and service to the community flow from our love to our family.
Leading Community and Country
CFC is called, in unity with the rest of the Catholic Church, to pray for the people in authority and in leadership, for them to be inspired by the Holy Spirit and strengthened by a deeper love for Jesus. That they may truly be in the service and for the service of His people, especially in the upcoming Philippine national elections.
Indeed, the Monthly Mission Core Gathering is an avenue where CFC leaders continuously empower one another with the joyful hope and promise of Christ’s Resurrection. In times of challenges and difficulties, these battles can only be won with kindness and our brethren, who are tangible manifestations of God’s presence. That despite discomfort and confusion, our sole desire to please God is what transforms us into better people and CFC leaders into Christ-like shepherds—boldly and continuously proclaiming the Good News to the world.
(Angeli Arellano)