[SAINT DIGNA] FAITHdemic: The Grace that Heals and Keeps by Antonia Beatrice https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna The UST JHS Lenten Recollection en-us 2022-03-25 11:53:28 UTC 2022-04-11 09:51:56 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/1642656449/57bba20bb515c16e9a138822d1ed13f7/Untitled_design.png GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: antoniabeatriceustjhs https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2114575966 I. Answer the guide questions below.

II. Attach the screenshot of your favorite part of the Recollection.

GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. How can you strengthen your "SPIRITUAL (Immune) SYSTEM" based on the sharing of Brother Andreus? 

2. Share some of your experiences wherein you feel God's grace. 

3. What are your realizations/insights after the Lenten Recollection?
]]> 2022-03-26 04:35:58 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2114575966 B17 - Tengco, Roz https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2114690038 1. We may build our spiritual system by never losing confidence in God, as Brother Andreus has shown. He recounted some of his own struggles and experiences, including how he was able to overcome adversity by relying on his faith. Life is already full of troubles and challenges, and here is where we may put our faith to the test by never losing confidence in God.

2. Most people aren't extremely religious; not everyone prays as frequently as they should, attends Holy Mass, and visits the Church, and there's nothing shameful with that. It does not necessarily imply that you do not believe in God. In their worst moments, most people sense his compassion and grace. It is in this moment that most individuals begin to pray and give their everything to God, believing that they are no longer capable of resolving their problems. Personally, I sense God's grace anytime I am putting in my best effort in a tough task and succeeding.

3. After the Lenten Recollection, I've realized that God is always by our side. He never leaves it, even in our most difficult times. Whenever we are in need, God is there to help us, and even if he doesn't, that means he has a plan for us. We may not realize it sometimes, but God loves us very much, and he always wants what's best for us. ]]> 2022-03-26 09:26:39 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2114690038 G22 - Rosa Bernadette E. Pura https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2115139388

1. With the energetic and interactive sharing of Bro. Andreus focuses on us being true to ourselves and knowing who we are. He said that we should remove our masks when are facing the Lord and be true to him. Also, have a closer relationship with others especially your family because wants us united, and we will feel God's presence and Grace. We should also serve others and help others with what we can because that is what God wants us to do. Lastly, we should strengthen our trust and faith in God to strengthen our spiritual immune system.


2. One of the signs of God's grace I always receive is when my teacher is extending the deadline of an activity that is I am having a hard time and couldn't finish it on time. I also find that they will announce the extension of the deadline when I can something in the task already, even if it is just a few. For me, God is telling me that he will give me more time to finish the task, but he will make sure that I will not cram on the task because I will just do it when the submission is already near. A sign that God is watching he knows what we need and the best thing for us.


3. In this recollection that focuses on our faith during the pandemic, I realize that even if there are a lot of things that change during this pandemic God never changes nor lives in even in a single second. There might be things that are now gone, but God's love and presence are always there for us whenever we are in need. This also shows that we must not lose faith in God even we are facing problems in our lives today. We must keep our love, trust, and faith in him.]]> 2022-03-26 22:43:50 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2115139388 G1 Abejo, Amanda P. https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2115164687 Based on Brother Andreus' teachings and shared experiences, we can strengthen our "Spiritual Immune System'' by being honest with ourselves and acknowledging our mistakes. As we present ourselves with hope and confidence, we draw closer to God. Likewise, when our faith is constantly being nourished, we become a symbol of peace and God's compassion to the people in our community. Whatever the situation might be, we must find a way to unite with our brothers and sisters and fill our society with happiness and contentment.

We may not realize it, but each day is a blessing and a chance to experience God's grace. For instance, whenever I make important life decisions, I seek His guidance through the Holy Spirit and pray reverently that I choose what is right and good for others. We don't deserve God's mercy and compassion, and yet I get to eat, sleep, and return home safely and in good condition with my family. Similarly, I believe that when we are in a difficult phase of our lives where we are overwhelmed with the amount of responsibility we must fulfill and feel that we are not enough, we fully experience God's grace as we remain faithful to Him for strength and deepen our relationship with Him.  At times, we still have a tendency to forget to thank and praise His name for the wonderful things He has done for us. Even so, as long as we live, we have the opportunity to do better and change our perception of life. Be thankful for everything, pray constantly, and strive to live in God's image and likeness.

After reflecting on the Lenten Recollection, I realized that we should never doubt God's work and ways. This pandemic may have changed our lives, filling them with sadness, grief, and loss, as well as robbing us of the opportunity to make memories with our family and friends, but God has always been there for us. He will always have a plan for us, no matter what the circumstances are. Yes, it will be painful in some cases, but we must trust His timing and, rather than doubting Him, we must continue to pray and strengthen our relationship with Him.


]]> 2022-03-27 00:08:21 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2115164687 B14 - Ramos, Nathaniel Adrien https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2115219785 1. Showing your true self to God and to everyone is one way you can strengthen your Spiritual System, at least be truthful with your words and not just words that are like plastic to you. 

2. God's grace, everyone experiences it but not everyone acknowledges how passionate God is and how he helps big time in our lives, for me he helped me out back in Grade 6. I did something bad back then which would have heavily impact me in the future but God helped me in avoiding that fate and I decided  to start changing myself. Receiving God's grace is a sign, a sign for you to change yourself, and the way how you act, it is not a ticket for you to use just to commit the same sin every single day

3. For me, the realization I had after the Lenten Recollection was that everyone has their own struggles, they all have their own masks and such, behind those masks is a person who is trying their best to endure the hardships he/she is experiencing, the world is bad enough as it is, why be another problem for the world when you can join in making the world a better place

 ]]> 2022-03-27 02:38:25 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2115219785 G2 - Alba, Francess Riona Denise C. https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2115267296 1. Based on Brother Andreus' sharing, we can strengthen our spiritual system by deepening our relationship and faith in God. We can only have a deeper relationship with God if we have faith, and this will lead to more effective ways of praising Him. Brother Andreus also suggested that we expose ourselves to the people who love us the most. God loves us the most, so we must be open and strive to develop a deeper relationship with him.

2. I sense God's grace whenever I am in need of assistance or am struggling to succeed in something. All I have to do is look at my life to see that God has always been there for me when I needed him. God always appears at the right time. Even when things are difficult for me, my relationship with God becomes so soft and comforting to me that I can face anything because of Him.

3. I realized after this Lenten Recollection that God will always be the one who loves us the most. He will be the one who is always there for us. He is the one who knows and understands us the best. I realized how important it is to strengthen and deepen our faith in God because he loves us unconditionally. He not only provides for us, but he also guides and helps us in our daily lives.
]]> 2022-03-27 04:38:58 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2115267296 B18 - Yabut, Sidmiguel C. https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2115464113 1. Doing what we do best as humans is one way to strengthen our spirituality towards God. He taught us how to live life, and gave us a purpose. We have responsibilities and roles in order to live life. But doing exactly what he wants us to do, what he taught us to do, and what he planned for us to do. Is one of the best ways we can spiritually become closer with God.

2. One of the experiences I had where I felt God's grace was during my early high school days when I was Grade 7. I experienced dengue and was hospitalized a day after. My body felt really weak, uncapable of moving. My head was really warm, and my head was spinning. I wasn't able to speak my thoughts and my words due to the exhaustion I was experiencing at that time. And for about 4 days after I was hospitalized. I didn't have the appetite to eat any of my meals but still tried my very best just to drink medicine. I spent most of my time asleep only waking up if I needed to use the restroom or if it was time to drink medicine. That night I prayed to God if he could help me get through this sickness. And if not, I'd still love him and respect his decision to take my life. But deep inside I wasn't ready. The Lord spared my life, and the following day I slowly started to feel better. In 3 days, I was cured and was allowed to leave the hospital and attend classes again.

3. After the Recollection I realized that God really works to make our life easier, to teach us important lessons that is essential, and roots for our success. He gives us plenty of signs and graces that propels us towards the path he made. Other than that, he loves us just as much as he loved his son. He sees us all as an equal, and he wants us to do the same to one another. Being part of this community, we must work together to live life, give praise and thank the lord. For he makes a lot of sacrifices for us all and will be with us forever and ever.]]> 2022-03-27 11:02:49 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2115464113 G9 - Gautane, Julianna D. https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2115553560 1.  First of all, I would say that Bro. Andreus Cosio’s speech is distinctive and is one of a kind because while I was listening to his talk, I can sense and feel his honesty and genuineness with every words that he deliver  and I love that he also knows how to enjoy life which is the reason why many people was widely engaged and he really connect much to the audience specifically us students because of his experience as an individual. With this being said, based on his dynamic teachings and immersive sharing of his experience, we can be able to strengthen our “Spiritual Immune System” by being honest or true to ourselves and knowing who we really are and from that, we should learn and admit our own mistakes. Moreover, he even said that we should remove our masks when we are talking to the Lord and from that, we should be true to him at all aspects because this also draw us closer to God. In connection to that, when our faith and belief are being nurtured, we become an instrument of tranquility and empathy of God to the people in our society. He even said that in any situation we are in, we should try our best to have a closer relationship and to be united with our brothers and sisters especially our family because through this, we can spread genuine happiness and satisfaction that will make us feel God’s presence and grace even more. Lastly, we should offer our time in service for others because in that way, we can do what he has commanded us to do. 

2.  We may not notice it because of the amount of things that is currently happening around us now, but we should always remember that every single day is a blessing and that it is also another chance for us to experience the grace of God. One of the example of this wherein I feel God’s grace is the fact that I am safe despite the pandemic and other disturbances that is currently happening around us. Another instance is whenever I am faced with crucial moments that needs important decisions in life because when I ask for his help and guidance through the power of the Holy Spirit and I pray earnestly to him that I hope I will choose the right path and a decision that would benefit not only me but also others. We may be undeserving of his mercy and compassion because of the things that we have done but I am so grateful to him that he still blessed me with graces like being able to eat and sleep everyday, being able to wake up to start another day right, allowing me to return to our home safely especially when I do errands, and keeping me healthy always together with my family. In the same way, I believe that we completely experience God's grace when we remain faithful to Him for strength and build our relationship with him during a tough era of our lives where we are overwhelmed with the amount of duty we must accomplish and feel that we are not adequate. We can all admit that sometimes we have that time in our life that we forget to thank him for all the good things he has done for us and worship his name. Nonetheless, we should remember that as long as we still live in this world, we have the ability to improve and modify our perspectives on life. We should always keep in mind to be grateful for what you have, pray frequently, and try our best to live according to his image and likeness.

3.  I learned after pondering on the Lenten Recollection that we, as Christians, should never hesitate or even doubt his works or even his ways of love, salvation, timing, healing, and deliverance. This time of pandemic may have been tough for us because all of our lives have been altered by bringing us misery, sorrow, and even distress, and at the same time not giving us the opportunity to create wonderful memories that we will treasure with our family and loved ones, but still we should remember that in this time, God has been there for us, helping us to overcome these challenges and keeping us stronger that is enough to conquer this obstacles victoriously. I learned that whatever the circumstances are, he will always have a plan for us. Sometimes it might be agonizing because it is not in favor of our likeness, but we should always remember to trust in his perfect timing and continue to pray and deepen our connection with him instead of having some hesitations and doubting him. Lastly, I also learned to do our best in our own part and let God do the rest of the work in his own perfect ways.]]> 2022-03-27 13:23:15 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2115553560 G5 - Coner, Beatrice https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2115617985 1. Brother Andreus Cosio's talk with us taught me a lot of life lessons that I can apply in my own life to better my mentality and how I deal with situations. His stories and words filled me with knowledge that will support me in overcoming life's challenges. He was eloquent and passionate in telling his inspiring story, which left an indelible impression on our minds and hearts. This can enlighten my Spiritual Immune System because it taught me how to stay connected with God through happiness and sorrow. We must learn how to stick with him and trust Him at times we need to the most. Being mindful of our decisions and always thinking of what God wants for us and how we can draw ourselves closer to Him. 

2. As seen in the photo, "God's Grace is always available" I agree with this statement. There may be times that we think that he is not with us, yet he is always watching us from afar and guiding us in our decisions and plans in life. I feel his grace whenever I accomplish something or struggle on something. In both hardships and at ease, I feel his guidance and genuine love for me and people around me. Lastly, I am able to feel God's Grace whenever I am happy. I feel that he is proud of what I have become and what I want to become. 

3. After the Lenten Recollection, I am able to learn that lacking something and not being the person you want to be at times can result to something good. We should not always expect ourselves to do the right things at certain times but when we commit mistakes, we learn the most important lessons that leave remarks on our lives and create a great impact in changing our mindset and aspects in life. I realized that not everything is meant for us and your plans won't always work out since God has better plans for you. ]]> 2022-03-27 14:44:12 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2115617985 B8 - Frias, Rowel Ethan M. https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2116036941 1. Based on Brother Andreus' sharing, I can improve my spiritual immune system by remembering that God's grace actually keeps saving us, even when we face adversity. He gave a personal story that reveals the greater purpose of the events we face, regardless of whether they are sad or happy. Also, being faithful to the Lord strengthens our spiritual system because we need to open up everything we need to tell Him and let Him know everything so that we may sense His presence in our daily lives. All of the things and experiences he shared with me helped me cherish and strengthen my religion. I recognize that any issues or struggles I may face have a purpose, because God desires for us to unify and escape the adversary.

2. Every time I have to conquer some surprisingly difficult challenges, I feel the God's grace. As I confront challenges, God reminds me of the positive occurrences in my life, which enables me to remain calm and preserve mental peace in the face of adversity. Also, I believed that God answered my prayer while I was suffering family problems, which demonstrates God's grace to me and my family. Being alive is already a gift from God, therefore I'm glad for it every time I wake up, demonstrating God's immense gift and grace, which we must treasure in our lives.

3. In this Lenten recollection, I am reminded of the vital things we must treasure while we are alive and well on this world. I learned that we must value the world in which we live, which is provided by the Lord. We must value and seek God's presence in our daily lives, since He is always present to accompany us on our life's path. Showing compassion and care to others is also important in living in God's world, since those individuals may be followers of God who have been given a value by God. I also learned that we should be able to embrace God's love for us and enjoy all of the blessings that God has bestowed upon me in a variety of ways. I recognize that God continues to save us, therefore we should never tire of pursuing Him. I should constantly remember to give gratitude and beg for forgiveness, to assist us in all of our everyday problems, but I will maintain my trust and love for God.]]> 2022-03-28 00:18:04 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2116036941 B5 - Deterala, Gwyne Justin G. https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2116238156 1. I learned from Brother Andreus' message that returning to God's love and being honest to ourselves can strengthen our spiritual immune system. Clearing our conscience, confessing our own faults and mistakes, pondering on our actions, and promising never to repeat them are some of the ways we accomplish this. In addition, we should use the gifts and grace that God has given us to serve others, because we will only be fully spiritually healthy if we use our spiritual gifts to serve others. In the same way that we should invest in a healthy lifestyle to enhance our physical immune systems, we should also invest time in our spiritual lives to ensure that we have a strong spiritual immune system when faced with life's adversities.

2. Every morning, I can sense God's grace as I am granted another day, another chance to renew myself or atone for all the sins I have committed (repent). In every challenge I confront, I also experience God's grace when he gives me the strength to face it and helps me conquer it. When I'm at my wit's end and there's no one else who can help me but God, he sends help. That was God's grace, his unfailing kindness.

3. After the recollection, I realized how much of God's grace I was receiving unknowingly, and I learned that just as we receive God's grace, we should also give grace to others to achieve spiritual health. I also realized that we should always be true to ourselves and admit our mistakes, because that would help us learn from them. Lastly, we should know how to go back to God's love and repent.
]]> 2022-03-28 02:47:33 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2116238156 G17 - Oliverio, Shania Kylie Timothy C. https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2117160236 1. If we continue bridging the gap between our communication and connection with God, then we would be able to strengthen our spiritual system. One of the best advice from Brother Andreus on deepening our relationship with God is fill ourselves with optimism and with people who we know have positive impact on our lives. Through the story and experiences he has shared with us, I am able to see things in a better light. In recognizing the presence of God in my life, I am able to appreciate Him more and seek necessary changes I have to do in order to improve my faith in Him.

2. Even by simply waking up everyday, I am graced by God to live another life and to be a step closer in fulfilling my mission on Earth. The greatest presence of His blessings is when he gave me and my brother another chance to continue our journey. Last November 2021, we were diagnosed with Dengue and was in critical condition. Our faith in God helped us to keep fighting no matter how tough it may be. With His grace, we were able to push through and to bounce back.

3. Through the Lenten Recollection, I was able to realize that sometimes lacking something or not being the person you want to be might lead to something positive. We should not expect ourselves to always do the right thing at the right moment, but when we make errors, we acquire the most essential lessons that leave an indelible stamp on our lives and have a significant impact on our thinking and other elements of life. I understood that not everything is meant for us, and your goals may not always work out because God has something greater in mind for you.]]> 2022-03-28 13:30:56 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2117160236 G4 - Chua, Juliana Chloie S. julianachloiechuajhs https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2121530326 From last Saturday's sharing by Brother Andreus, he said that we can strengthen our spiritual system by letting God love us. We won't be able to express God's grace to others nor can we let our hands be in service for others if we won't let God love us. This made me walk down memory lane, a lot of things happened that I don't really want to talk about. But to summarize, I grew up thinking I didn't deserved to be loved. And hearing Brother Andreus say such things it did made me tear up a bit, maybe it was also a sign where God was reminding again for the nth time that I do deserved to be loved not only by God but by others. We can also strengthen our spiritual faith by surrendering our burdens to God. I remember Brother Andrius saying "Pagod mo? Diyos ang makakapawi niyan." We'll always feel restless when we don't talk to God or try to strengthen our relationship with him. Another would be being in the service of others by dirtying our hands. Brother Andrius said "Givers are happy people." or "Service builds character." We're not doing this just to please the Lord but to be a blessing to others, to be able to see and let others receive God's grace the way you did as well. Because our hands are meant to love or care for other people.

An experience wherein I feel God's grace is my day to day living. And I'm grateful even for the smallest of things like waking up to see another day. Having breakfast with my family even if it's just bacon and eggs, it can also be having a productive day. Just the smallest of things can really make me really happy. The pandemic was a blessing in disguise actually, I always went to school with no snacks or lunch but 40 pesos exactly to pay my transportation on the way to school and on the way home. My family has been having difficulty financially and we've been living like that since 2016. To summarize a few experiences would be having no electricity when I come home, usually we don't even have anything to eat. We're lucky if we have rice to cook, and our ulam would be soy sauce; if we don't have soy sauce, it's salt since we don't have money to buy food. And I'm lucky when my parents give me money from time to time and I would save it since I do need to buy school materials like buying colored paper or illustration boards, it could also be printing my outputs. But being the eldest daughter, I had my own sacrifices too where my younger sibling or my parents would get my savings for the sake of paying our Meralco bill or buy something they need. And by God's grace we've overcome that when the pandemic hit and bikes were in demand. My family owns a Bike shop even before then hence why I say it's a blessing in disguise. I felt God's grace even before the pandemic that even if I was low on budget, my friends were kind enough to bring me with them to eat out not even giving  any amount to contribute the cost. Babawi naman daw ako sa kanila soon enough when the time comes they said. And I'm grateful for them that they were God given to me. : )

I've had a lot of insights after this Lenten Recollection, more on myself actually. As I said before, one of them would be realizing that I did deserved to be loved and to love. Whether this was from God or to others, I shouldn't hesitate to receive and give. What happened from before made me stronger and even if it's hard, I shouldn't look in the past but to the present where I can still change things for the better.  Hearing Brother Andreus' story about meeting his wife, I saw that it was kind of a funny meet-up and knowing that he wasn't looking for a relationship now it showed that God will give you happy coincidences that will give you meaningful memories in the future; memories that will be worth story-telling and I guess reminiscing. Of course not only in the love department but in different aspects in life. We'll all have to go through ups and downs before getting that genuine happiness moment. ]]> 2022-03-30 13:51:56 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2121530326 B1- Aliorde, Jioe Vincent Earl P. https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2124536393 1. We can improve our spiritual system by increasing our relationship and faith in God, as Brother Andreus has shared. Faith is the only way to develop a closer relationship with God, and it will lead to more effective ways of worshipping Him. We should also expose ourselves to the individuals who love us the greatest, according to Brother Andreus. We must be open and endeavor to create a deeper relationship with God because he loves us the most.

2. Everyone experiences God's grace, but not everyone knows how passionate God is and how much he helps us out in our life, like he did for me in Grades 7 and 8. During my seventh grade year, I did something dreadful that would have had a big impact on my future, but God intervened and helped me avoid that fate, and I opted to start changing myself. Receiving God's grace is a sign that you need to change who you are and how you act; it is not a ticket that you can use every day to continue committing the same sin.

3. Even if a lot of things change during the pandemic, I learn that God never changes or lives in a single second. There may be things that have vanished, but God's love and presence are always available to us anytime we need them. This also demonstrates that we must maintain our confidence in God even when we are confronted with hardships in our daily life. We must maintain our love, confidence, and trust in him.]]> 2022-04-01 00:37:15 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2124536393 B7 - Dumlao, Jose Paolo Ramon https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2124804190 1. Based on Brother Andreus Cosio's talk, he was able to strengthen my spiritual (immune) system by sharing his experiences and inspiring stories. He was able to relate his experiences with God. With this, I was able to learn that our connection and trust with God is very important especially in times when we need the most.

2. I feel God's grace every time. From the start of the day when I wake up to every clumsy action I do everyday, I feel the presence of God's grace because he doesn't allow me to get into any major incident that could any harm or even put my life in jeopardy.

3. After the Lenten Recollection, I learned that whatever challenge we are currently facing is just another part of God's plan for us. I realized that God never ceases to love us and that he always cares for us and whatever challenge we are currently facing is just a path towards a gift from God.]]> 2022-04-01 04:07:37 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2124804190 B10 - Ibaya, Vince M. https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2124967477 1. We can strengthen our spiritual system to God by remembering who we truly are. We are human beings that are devoted to God, and we must not forget that. By bringing our faith and trust to God, we can have a meaningful relationship and an understanding with Him. Brother Andreus’ sharing made me realize a lot on how important it is to being honest with ourselves, that is why we need to be honest to the people who we love the most. We must be honest and sincere to our parents as they are the people that unconditionally love us and are taking care of us the most. We must be supportive and accepting to our friends as they are the people who give us joy outside our family. And we must devote our faith to God and be able to reconcile with Him as He is the source of all mercy and blessings in the world.

2. I feel God’s grace everyday as being alive is a grace in it of itself. To be able to wake up each morning in a comfortable home. To be able to eat hearty meals. To be safe from diseases and illnesses especially during this pandemic. To be able to finance my education, my hobby and my social life. To have all of my love ones around me, healthy and kicking. To still have all of my closest friends. To be able to live peacefully in an uncertain times. All of these, even if sometimes I have thoughts that I am not deserving, I feel completely God’s grace. 

3. I realized from the Lenten recollection that God is always by our side. God will never abandon us most especially in challenging times like this pandemic. He loves us fairly, and He will watch over everyone of us with all of His mercy and blessings. Difficulties come up to us only to make us stronger, more faithful, more persevering and more determined to succeed. Furthermore, I realized the importance of staying true to ourselves. Pretension or hypocrisy will only hurt us in the long run. We must express all our tenderness without reservation. As long as we are still living or our love ones are, we must truly care and love as we’ll never know until when can we do these. 

]]> 2022-04-01 07:01:16 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2124967477 G11 - Jimenez, Jamie Alison C. https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2125720051 The nourishment of our spiritual (immune) system is essential in our Christian lives because it imposes a greater value of faithfulness or dedication to God. Moreover, there were several methods that were shared by Bother Andreus, particularly regarding the ways in which we may be able to fully strengthen our spiritual (immune) system which was summarized into one thing; God is good. If we possess sufficient trust and loyalty in God, then our souls would be forever enlightened by His presence. Also, Brother Andreus mentioned that we should choose to remove our mask in prayer (by claiming and being who we naturally are), to expose ourselves to the individuals who love us the most, to remove both physical and emotional distance from our hearts to other individuals (especially our family), to heal our inner selves, and more. Therefore, his sharing was both entertaining and educating about God's grace and how He never fails to shower blessings upon us.

In the talk, we heard some of Brother Andreus' experiences wherein he encountered God's grace. Personally, waking up in the morning and starting a brand new day is already a blessing, as to why today is called the "present" (it is a present/gift bestowed by God). In addition, having the privilege to have food served on the table and to study in a prestigious university showcases the Lord's grace. Moreover, there are more personal experiences that are considered blessings but one main idea that serves as the common denominator is that God is always with us as He blesses us continuously and loves us unconditionally.  He never gets tired to comfort and guide us, so we must reciprocate His adoration, specifically as His children, with love too. Everything that is occurring in my life, whether positive or negative, is a representation of God's grace because it will lead to what's best for me either way.

During the Lenten recollection, I realized how important it is to strengthen our faith not only by prayers but also by realistic ways just like being who we are. The development of a positive mindset especially amidst the pandemic is essential so that we can keep on being hopeful as we fully devote ourselves to God. Moreover, I also contemplated that the world is indeed composed of obstacles that we humans are natured to go through. Seemingly, these struggles act as a tool to develop a better and closer connection to God. He is always there to help us stay motivated and empowered through difficult times. Indeed, God is good.]]> 2022-04-01 16:23:35 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2125720051 B15 - Recto, Stephen Charles D. https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2127322463 1. Based on the given talk of our dear speaker, I was convinced of his powerful words that I must commit myself to a life of spirituality and commitment towards my faith in God. The talk was able to inspire something in me that wants me to strengthen my own personal spiritual immune system. I believe I could do this by always maintaining a good relationship with God through simple but effective ways. Processes such as praying to him, trusting in his plan, and spreading his good word are simple but effective ways on how to exemplify one's own strengthened spritual system. Ultimately, I believe that that sprituality is what makes our souls whole as it gives us meaning and that passion to go through with our lives. Not just simply going on about our lives mindlessly but through the goodness and living our our lives according to the way God wants us to, by spreadin good towards others. All in all, I believe that my spiritual system could be strengthened by simply living out my life according to the covenant of God.

2. In examining my experiences with God's grace, I have come to the conclusion that God's grace has the ability to touch every facet of my life through many different and exciting ways. One of these experiences are often felt in my day to day life, as God's grace touches my life as a student everyday. As a student, I would always know that I am not alone in doing my tasks and responsibilities as I always remember that God is always there for me as he is my rock and guide. God helps me in my studies by always being there for me when I need his special guidance, his amazing grace. It is very comforting to know that in my time of harships, God has always been there for me since day 1, especially in my day to day life. Speaking of my life in the daily, God's grace was and always has been felt within the confines of my family life as he has always been the one to guide my family through our problems or hardships. Whatever problem our family may come across, God has always been there to offer us a lending hand during our time of need as he always comes through for us. Through the uncertain times, God's grace never fails me because he has always been there for us at all times, watching us and guiding us through his own little ways.

3. I have a few of my own personal takeaways and realizations from the lenten recollection that we had, as a lot of lessons were learned during the onset of the recollection that I had. First realization I had was about my own personal life, I have come to the conclusion that I havent lived life to fullest yet because I have not been as close to God as I want to. I want to become closer to God, as I believe that I havent been maximizing my oppurtunities to do so as of late. Through constant prayer and faith, I believe i'll be able to do this by maintaining a close relationship with God through prayer. Another one of these realizations is perhaps the most impactful one, TRUST GOD. All my life, I have been scared and anxious in life, but I have now learned that there is no use for being that nervous when I have God by my side. Through the power and help of God's grace, we should live our lives with no fear as God has told us that his plan always comes through for us in the end. Always remember that everything happens for a reason, as it is all according to the plan God has for all of us. These realizations were the most important ones I have received from the interesting talk given to us by our great speaker.]]> 2022-04-03 16:42:41 UTC https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2127322463 B12 - Lavarias, Raven Gabriel N. https://padlet.com/antoniabeatriceustjhs/saintdigna/wish/2138118836 1. Based on the recollection that I have watched, I noticed that Brother Andreus wanted to inform us that when we let the Lord love us, he loves us first and that God's grace will always be there and rescue us, and it was one of the things that genuinely remained with me so that we might develop our "Spiritual System." That proverb meant a lot to me because it reminded me that the Lord is always there for us when we need him the most and should put our confidence in him. The essential thing I can do to develop my spiritual system allows God to love me. God loved us initially, as Brother Andreus correctly stated, and we must let God love us endlessly. Another alternative is to tell someone who cares the most about us about ourselves. As a human, I believe this is critical since I recognize that there will be moments when we are unsure of ourselves and that this will cause us to be
troubled. But, in the end, God knows and acknowledges our yearning to be loved and protected by someone, to find a way to feel secure and cherished. 

2. To be honest, I have not been at my best emotionally or mentally ever since the beginning of the pandemic considering the fact that the virus has really changed everybody's way of living. I couldn't find the desire to accomplish anything, even the activities that I really love doing. It took me a long time to get back on my feet, and I still have many problems. Nonetheless, I can sense God's grace along this journey despite my physical limitations. I was able to experience God's grace via the individuals who cared about me and supported me along the process.

3. After reflecting on the Lenten Recollection that happened, I finally understood that God might bless us differently. It might be through others, directly from Him, or through ourselves. We should be the ones sharing our light with others as much as possible, and no matter how many times we avoid sin, it will never be successful unless we also do good things. We must remember that God is always willing to forgive us, and we must do the same for others.

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