The Basic Ecclesial Community

The Basic Ecclesial Community Rediscovering A New Way of Becoming a Church

The Basic Ecclesial Community is defined as « a new way of being a Church ».

The BEC according to PCP II It is a small faith community of Christians, gathered together around the Word of God and the Eucharist, striving to integrate their faith in their daily life, life in solidarity with one another, action for justice, justice and a vibrant celebration of life in the liturgy. liturgy (PCP II 138-139)

Anthropological and Sociological Background

Filipinos are naturally known as:    

Person-oriented Relational Community-oriented Spirit-oriented

A General View on the Human Person  

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The Subject ( I ) The Horizontal (I + You = We) The Vertical (We & God)

The word « being » means… 

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not something static but dynamic. not abstract but concrete. not a finished product but a process of becoming. not dead but living.

We are the Church!

Underlying Key Points: The Human Person  The Community  The Triune God 

Theological-Biblical Foundations on the BEC

Acts 2:41-47

Acts 2: 41-47 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day 3,000 souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings and fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and the prayers. And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had needed. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking the bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favour with all the people.

The BEC, as part of the Church, share in the 3-fold functions of Jesus   

Prophet Priest King

PROPHET 

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they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings Kerygma Deepening of their Christian Faith (Catechesis)

PRIEST 

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fellowship, the breaking of the bread and the prayers attending the temple together and breaking the bread in their homes Leitourgia Prayer and Worship Celebration of the Sacraments

KING 

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And all who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had needed they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, praising God Diakonia Service: Faith that Does Justice

Characteristics of a BEC:     

A Human Community Small in number A Christian Community Unity in the midst of diversity Witnessing the Gospel and the Kingdom of God (God’s Presence)

Conclusion: A BEC:  Learns  Lives  Loves  In the Spirit of Jesus