CELEBRATION: WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF JESUS

There was a drizzle as the afternoon sun disappeared below the horizon, but this did not
discouraged the ardent members of the Infant Jesus Catholic Community (IJCC) from coming
together at he Our Lady of Ransom Parish Church for the July 26, 2013 celebration. Rather,
they praised the Lord and claimed the rain was a blessing to cool down the night and nourish
the rice fields.
Warmth and gladness pervaded the air as every attendee greeted each other with
welcome smiles and handshakes or sisterly beso-beso. As this was going on, the music team
of the Jesus Prince of Peace Prayer Group, they celebrations host, began to tune up their pitch
adding mirth to the happy ambience just beginning to build up.
Welcome to the House of Jesus
The buzz was cut short by the greetings of the commentator, Bro. Jojo Maranga, as he
took on the microphone. He announced the entrance of the banner bearers then started the roll
call of the prayer groups.
On cue, a slogan that read: Its more FUN in IJCC was flashed on the screen. Bro.
Nath Gomez, the worship leader that night, blared out that the word FUN is the acronym of
Faith, Unity/Understanding and Nurturing. To boost his assumption he enjoined everybody to
rise up, and in unison, they sang with the music team a medley of The Best Way to Start the
Day, Fiowa, Fiowa and Little by Little.
In a resounding voice he greeted the congregation, Welcome to our celebration!
Welcome to the house of Jesus. He also proclaimed, Theres a miracle tonight. Let us lift up
all our concerns, be it financial, health, or whatever and trust God will help us. To support his
pronouncement, he cited Deuteronomy 20:4, For the Lord your God will fight for you. He
further explained, We build our relationship with our love ones, with our family, with our
brothers, our friends and our neighbors. He exhorted all to continue spreading Jesus to
everyone through love and by being a blessing to others. He urged them not to despair
because failure is temporary, victory is permanent because God is with us. God is borne in us.
He backed up his statement citing Philippians 4:6-7, Dont worry about anything, but in all your
prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And Gods peace,
which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and mind safe in union with
Christ Jesus.
To enliven his references to the Holy Scriptures, he interspersed them with choice
songs: My Life is in You, Lord and Firm Foundation. On the spur of the moment, the
assembly stood up and collectively exclaimed their praise to God that filled every nook and
cranny of the church.

After the prayer of abundance, the worship and praise continued with the line-up of
songs that included Thank You, Lord, God is Good, What a Mighty God We Serve, Ang
Buhay ng Kristiyano, Its a New Day, Halalalala Alleluia, Lulalulalay, and the ever popular
Community Song.
Acknowledgement
Before the celebration ended, Bro. Nath thanked the graduates of LSS 35 and
everybody behind its success. He also expressed his appreciation to the CSL members and to
all for coming and sharing their happiness in worship and praise.
Alleluia to the Lord! Amen.