COMBIBLIA holds a Pre-Lenten Recollection with #RealTalk discussions

The Commission on Biblical Apostolate (COMBIBLIA) held its annual lecture series entitled Lectio Evangelion Lecture series last February 16, 2019 at the Basilica Minore Big Hall, Naga City at 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. The theme for this year is inspired by the theme for the National Bible Month Celebration 2019 last January, “#The Bible: Real Talk”. “Real Talk” is a term used by millennials when they begin sharing their stories about their real life experiences.

The series of talks that were presented discussed some basic and real life questions about man’s universal experience on sin, repentance and the importance of God’s word in our daily life struggle. Msgr. Rodel Cajot, PC, Vicar General and adviser of COMBIBLIA, gave the first talk with the theme, “#Real Talk: Why Do We Sin and Transgress God’s Law: A Reflection on Psalm 19: 7-8, (7“The Law of Yahweh is perfect, refreshment to the soul; the decree of Yahweh is trustworthy, wisdom for the simple. 8The precepts of Yahweh are honest, joy for the heart; the commandment of Yahweh is pure, light for the eyes.”) In his talk, Msgr. Cajot pointed out that God, through his Laws and precepts, guides us to attain our salvation, our true happiness. However, due to our inclination to sin (concupiscence), no matter how beautiful God’s plan for all of us is, we tend to transgress His Divine Will. But that is not the reason for us to be discouraged. He said that we can always tame our inordinate desires and win our struggle against sins by practicing mortification and fasting.

The second talk was given by Fr. Emil Valeza with the theme, Is God’s Word still practical in our Modern World? A Reflection on 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (14You must keep to what you have been taught and know to be true; remember who your teachers were, 15and how, ever since you were a child, you have known the holy scriptures -from these you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is inspired by God and useful for refuting error, for guiding people’s lives and teaching them to be upright. 17This is how someone who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work.) He emphasized some sad realities of today’s modern world that in spite of human’s technological advancement, the moral lives of humanity does not seem to keep pace with it and in some point run the opposite direction, going back to its barbaric state. He said that that will always be the effect if we continue to allow the world to reject God’s Word, which is according to St. Paul, “inspired” and always “useful for refuting error, for guiding people’s lives and teaching them to be upright.”

Fr. Glen Ruiz, Director of the Commission on Liturgy, gave the third and final talk with the theme, “Lenten Popular (Piety) Devotions: Are they Necessary?” He explained that even in our modern world, Popular Piety or Devotions are still important and needed because they are our simple and devout practical expressions of our faith. They are so important that they needed to be preserved and be promoted. The said lecture was attended by Lectors, lay Extra-Ordinary Ministers, seminarians and other religious groups of the Archdiocese of Caceres. -Fr. Emil Valeza