Be not afraid! - An Open Letter to the CFC Community

“…you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, "You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off"; fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 RSV)


Recently, it came as a shock to many in the Couples for Community (CFC) community that several elders led by Bro. Frank Padilla resigned as members of the CFC Council. It generated all sorts of reaction and speculation which Bro. Frank tried to respond through a Q & A dated February 28, 2007 that was read to us this month in our corporate assembly by our chapter head. Presumably, chapters from across the world have heard the same response from our former CFC Director.

“Be not afraid!”

I call upon my CFC brothers and sisters with a familiar invitation as well as exhortation much spoken by the Holy Father Pope John Paul II during his papacy. They are the same words that the angel Gabriel said to Mother Mary (Luke 1:30) and by an angel to St. Joseph (Matthew 1:20).

Christ repeatedly gave the same message to the Apostles in various situations especially after His glorious resurrection.

Be not afraid! “Of what?” One may ask. According to Pope John Paul II, “We should not fear the truth about ourselves”. In the context of the recent resignations, we should not fear to continue what God has called us to do – to spread the Good News and to renew the face of the earth.

In a way, Peter spoke on behalf of all of us when he said, “Depart from me, Lord, from I am a sinful man.” To which Christ replied, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men” (Luke 5:10).

The revamp was all about faithfulness to God. By command responsibility, our respected elders shouldered the “sufferance of consequences” brought about by everyone’s share of failures and infidelity to our covenant with the Lord.

I see it as a wake up call, especially to our leaders to deeply examine what we have done wrong and the things we have failed to do through the years.

Some have lost their sense of servant leadership, treating the community as if it was a corporate ladder that you have yourself “promoted”. Many have totally disregarded pastoral formation and immersed themselves in “service”, something that has led to spiritual burn-outs and decline in active membership. On the other hand, massive evangelization efforts without the appropriate resources and fast-tracking of ill-prepared leaders have also resulted in the further decline of members and loss of the genuine CFC culture in many places. Sadly, many leaders do not even practice SNIPS (Scripture, Notes, ID, Pen, Song book) anymore. Consequently, this deviant culture is passed on to the members that we pastor.

Let us humbly acknowledge our faults, repent and rectify what we have done wrong.

I see it as an opportunity to start fresh, to start of a massive renewal within the community. Bro. Frank correctly points out the relevance of our current theme from the Book of Lamentations. While we mourn for the suffering we have to endure due to our unfaithfulness, God in His immeasurable ocean of mercy gives us the chance to repent and be cleansed from our transgressions.

Be not afraid!

Our faithful, merciful and loving God is always there for us. He longs for us to mend our ways that He may restore us and help us grow in holiness in Christ Jesus.

Be not afraid!

The Holy Spirit has empowered us with His mighty gifts! Let us use them and use them well. Revive and practice genuine discernment in all our actions and endeavors. God will lead us and show us the correct path.

With all these in mind, let us move forward with renewed hope in the steadfast love and guidance from the Lord.

May God bless us all!