By Fr. Marcel Uzoigwe, C.S.Sp. (Is 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Phil 2:6-11; Mk 15:1-39)
Dear friends in Christ,
The universal church celebrates Palm Sunday today to mark the glorious entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. That begins the last journey that would lead to his death on the cross and eventual resurrection when we celebrate Easter. Palm Sunday leads us to the very peak of the Christian faith. The readings of today, especially the Passion narrative, dwell on the betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus on the cross in a very touching and painful manner. Why would Jesus who went about doing good, healing the sick, and raising the dead (cf. Acts. 10: 38) suffer so much?
Suffering is something we all have experienced in some proportion. It is not fun, and no one likes it. Yet, it is a human reality. Every era and every culture has its understanding of suffering and seeks to find solutions or ways to deal with suffering to alleviate it. There is already enough suffering in the world. We suffer on many fronts, from natural disasters and diseases to human-induced suffering. What people do to cause suffering to each other is indescribable. Abuse of power, unbridled selfishness, feelings of insecurity and fear of losing one’s position, being trapped in an ideology, lack of respect for the life of others, carelessness and laziness, and slavish compliance with the norms of a culture, are some of the factors that cause suffering to people.
Suffering is not something to wish for, especially when it leads to nothing positive and greater in proportion to it. We frown at what some people might call meaningless suffering. By that, I mean suffering that leads to no good and that can be avoided. It could also be inflicted suffering from betrayal, lies, mockery, bullying, and all that springs from hatred and the desire to destroy the other for no just cause. The list of what might be regarded as meaningless suffering in human terms keeps expanding each day. When people who are positive about euthanasia speak, they seek to convince their audience of what they consider meaningless suffering and the only solution they can think of as ending one’s life. But can there be a meaningless suffering or do we conceive it to be so due to our perspective in life – the way we look at things or understand them? If we should have a clear picture of what comes much later after the suffering or take a cue about suffering from a divine perspective, will that change our view about the sufferings we might encounter in life, and how we respond to them?
The passion narrative we have just read declares Jesus’ attitude towards suffering. Jesus shows a way through suffering, not a way that makes us suffer less or some kind of grace pill as a pain reliever. He drank the chalice of suffering to the bitter bottom. He was betrayed by his close associate (Judas), abandoned by his disciples who preferred to save their own lives by running away and leaving Jesus alone to suffer, forsaken by his own Father (my God, my God why hast thou forsaken me? – Mark 15:43), mocked by the crowd he fed (John 6: 1-14) and healed of their sickness, accused by Chief Priests he came to instruct on true righteousness and condemned by Pilate to please the Jewish leaders. In all these, Jesus bore his suffering without taking revenge. He responded to evil with goodness, lies with truth, and enmity with love. In that way, he brought to practice his teaching on the Mountain (cf. Matthew 5: 43-44: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy’. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”). Love was central and the determinant of all his actions.
The passion narrative would make no meaning if it was all about Jesus alone. Its beauty lies in the fact that it is about us. Jesus needed not to suffer for his own sake because, being God, he needed no salvation. But as Isaiah earlier prophesied, “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted”(Isaiah 53:4). This attitude is the attitude of sacrifice, of willingness to sacrifice, of overcoming oneself and going all out to do it for the sake of the other. It is an attitude we can only develop by first recognizing and dealing with our selfishness, fears and insecurity, attachments, and self-interest on many fronts. Jesus has shown us that path most radically and completely.
Christianity is not a faith and an attitude to life that makes life easier for us in the human sense of the word. It is not a kind of opium that numbs us in the face of suffering nor is it an antidote to the reality of suffering. If that is the case, the sufferings that Jesus underwent wouldn’t have been real. His pains would have been faked and the whole idea of salvation through his painful death and resurrection would be contestable. It is rather the other way around. Through our faith we receive the strength, the insight, the courage, the perseverance, and the inner joy that comes from knowing God is with us in all things, good and bad, joy and suffering, pain and healing. Faith enables us to experience the transformative power of God who, through the sufferings of Jesus, has brought about the salvation of the world. Thus, even in the face of inevitable pain or suffering, we know that we are not alone and that God who allows it has a greater goal in view for us.
Isaiah tells us in the first reading that the Lord God has given him a well-trained tongue, that he might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. He gave his back to those who beat him, his cheeks to those who plucked his beard and did not shield his face from buffets and spitting. This would not be ordinarily recommended to anyone in the human way of thinking. We humans think in terms of self-defense and retaliation. Referring to Jesus, this prophecy clearly defined the path that Jesus took and would recommend to his would-be followers. He has alleviated people’s suffering in every possible way, through healing, and liberation; the blind could see again, the lame could walk and the deaf could hear, and the dead were raised to life. Yet he allowed himself to undergo suffering. It is now easier to understand why his mockers taunted him saying, ‘he saved others; he cannot save himself’ (Mark 15:31). Being extremely selfish, the Jewish leaders could clearly not understand that Jesus concentrated on saving the world rather than on himself. And this is what he calls us to do. By loving one another and getting interested in the welfare of others, we offer God true worship and are in turn loved and cared for by God himself.
Yet another verse in the prophecy of Isaiah leads us into the second reading. There it reads, ‘Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back’ (Isaiah 50:4). Rebellion is an offense to God. The entire biblical history of God’s anger against his people is linked with the concept of rebellion as sin, and that is often coupled with pride as the prime cause. Paul described Jesus in the second reading as the epitome of humility whose exaltation is based on his humble acceptance of the role of the suffering servant. He took that role and played it perfectly out of love for us so that we who are controlled by pride and selfishness would learn the true meaning of love and thereby become salvific in our dealings with our fellow men and women.
The passion of Jesus was for a purpose. He worked hard in that part of an imperfect world and underwent suffering himself to break its bondage on humanity. Through faith in Jesus, men and women can now be liberated from the clutches of evil in the human heart, the suffering that arises from lack of love, lack of faith, lack of trust, fear, and lies, from lust for power and deceit, excessive greed and selfishness. Humanity can enjoy the freedom brought by Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
We too are invited to be partners in continuing the work of Jesus through faith in him expressed in the living out of the Christian principles of love. Let this Holy Week be a period of sober reflection to truly realize what Jesus does for us and discover how we can be part of his saving mission to the world around us. Amen.
By Fr. Marcel Uzoigwe, C.S.Sp. Wis.12:13,16-19, Rom.8:26-27, Matt.13:24-43.
Dear Friends in Christ,
Our society has changed a lot. Most children today know nothing about agriculture. One child was asked where eggs and vegetables come from. He replied that they come from the supermarket. You can’t blame the child. Every farm product comes from the supermarket. At least, that’s where you buy them, and that’s all some children born in the city know about farm products.
Growing up with my parents in the village, we had a farm where we planted different kinds of seeds. There I experienced today’s parable that Jesus used to convey a message about the kingdom of God. After tilling a field, we sow the seeds. Within a few days or weeks, the seeds germinate. As the seeds grow, we notice another seed growing around or near the good seed. Sometimes the planted seeds and the weeds looked alike: they shared the same soil nutrients, enjoyed the same weather, and received the same amount of water and sun. Before harvest, we weed the farm. If we weed too early, some desirable crops may be unknowingly uprooted. No matter how careful we are, good seeds will always be tampered with in the field.
Jesus told a parable about a man who had planted good seeds in his field. But at night the enemy came and planted weeds among the grain. The weeds germinated along with the wheat. The servants of the owner of the field where the good seed had been planted asked to remove the weeds from the wheat. The request was refused because by doing so they might also remove the good seed.
The enemy is identified in the parable as the devil. His intent is made clear. It is to destroy the good done and plant evil. Just as Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). It is difficult in life to identify the adversary because some actions seem good at first, but are later discovered to be evil in intent. It is also difficult to know people’s intentions behind their actions. As Shakespeare wrote, “There is no act to find the mind’s construction in the face.” So we can facilitate the enemy’s plan without knowing it. The master in the parable was wise enough not to allow his servants to clear the weeds when the right time has not yet come. It takes time and patience to discover and understand what is not immediately obvious to the senses. Moreover, separating herbs and weeds takes time and patience. Just as the good seed and the weeds are similar, so too, in many cases, good and evil are not immediately recognizable on the surface.
St. Augustine used the image of the two cities to indicate the struggle between evil and good. He called the first Babylon, the second Jerusalem. And he used the story of Cain and Abel from the book of Genesis (Genesis 4:1-16) to illustrate it. He took Babylon to mean confusion, and Jerusalem to represent the vision of peace. He indicated that by looking closely at the city of confusion, one understands better the vision of peace. That implies that the presence of evil can serve to recognize its opposite which is the good that man must strive for, just as darkness enables us to appreciate the light.
The parable of the Sower is also a signpost for our lives. The wheat and the weeds are both present in our hearts. There is always an inward struggle between good and bad within the hearts of men. We see the effect only when people give in to them. When someone gives in to anger, for instance, and acts accordingly, only then do we know what has been going on in him. Likewise, we know that someone loves us, not just when the person says it but when we experience it in action. That calls us to deep reflection. Do I recognize the weeds within myself? Do I know how to deal with it to avoid scattering it in others? Do I have the patience to know when and how to uproot them without endangering the good in me?
That invites us to learn how to discern. Discernment is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor.12:10). It is the ability to judge situations properly, and have a good understanding of the moral and practical consequences of our decisions. If we possess the gift of discernment, costly mistakes, and misfortune will always be avoided. With discernment, we recognize whether or not something is truly from God, in accordance with God’s will, or in consonance with the devil’s agenda.
We have the example of Gamaliel in the Acts of the Apostles. He discerned properly during the persecution of the apostles before the Sanhedrin by advising them to leave the apostles and let them alone; because if what they were doing was of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God the Jewish leaders will not be able to stop them, rather they might even find out that they were fighting against God” (Acts 5:34-39). Without discernment, we cannot distinguish the wolves in sheep’s clothing, or the true prophet from the false prophet (Matt.7:15).
The good news is that we can pray and ask for the gift of discernment and be assured that God will grant it to us. Paul assures us in the second reading that the Holy Spirit can help us to pray properly in accordance with the mind of God. That is of great encouragement. Besides, the other two parables in the Gospel reading speak of the potential for growth in a positive direction. The first is the parables of the mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field. This smallest of all seeds grew to become a big tree that the birds of the air come and shelter in its branches. The second is the parable of the yeast a woman took and mixed with three measures of flour till it was leavened all through. These give the confidence that divine power working through us can accomplish infinite greatness (cf. Ephesians 3: 20).
The gift of discernment will enable us to learn from Jesus. There is always a struggle between the forces of good and evil. There is a need to be patient and not be quickly judgmental. Rather we need to tolerate and pray for one another. A sinner today may be a saint tomorrow. A prodigal son today may come to his senses tomorrow and return home a changed person. The first reading described God as strong and just in his judgment, yet lenient to all. By doing so, he has taught a lesson to his people that the virtuous man must be kindly to his fellow men, and has given us the good hope that after sin he will grant repentance.
Learning to discern is to follow Jesus’ example. May God grant us the gift of discernment to separate what is fundamental and good from what is transient and evil so that we may seek first the kingdom of God in all things.
A documentation of the 25th anniversary celebration by Mary Lynn van Dijk
On May 28, 2023, twenty-five and a half years since five Filipinos organized the first once-a-month Mass in Gouda in December 1997, the FCC Gouda celebrated their silver anniversary. Since it was a very special occasion for the community, and not just because it was Pentecost Sunday, Father Mark Robin Hoogland, CP, concelebrated the Mass with Father Marcel Uzoigwe, CSSp.
Father Mark Robin and Father Marcel and the FCC Gouda acolytes, Rena, Elpi and Gio. Photo by Mercy Ordiz.
Everyone had been asked to dress in Filipiniana. The ladies were especially lovely in their ternos and kimonas, while their Dutch and Filipino men were handsome in their barong Tagalog. Because Father Marcel was himself a birthday celebrant, after Communion, he joined the others who had their birthdays in May, while Father Mark Robin blessed them.
Father Mark Robin blessing the birthday celebrants. Photo by Mercy Ordiz.
After the Mass, the FCC Gouda commemorated their 25th anniversary with a potluck dinner and a program of singing, dancing and playing parlor games. The celebrations began with Hans Oosterwijk, FCC Gouda Secretary, looking dapper in his light beige barong Tagalog, thanking everyone, but especially the event’s sponsors, the names of whom are listed at the end of this article. Then he turned over the microphone to Father Marcel who looked handsome in his bright white barong Tagalog. Father Marcel led us in a prayer of thanks.
Father Marcel wearing his white barong Tagalog. Photo by Mercy Ordiz.
Hans then introduced Father Mark Robin Hoogland, CP, who had celebrated masses for eight months. Father Mark Robin is Provincial Superior of the SPE for the Netherlands and North Germany, President of the Executive Board of the Conference of Religious based in the Netherlands (KNR), Member of the Advisory Board of the Radboud University of Nijmegen’s Faculty of Theology, and has a PhD in Theology obtained from the Catholic University of Leuven. Father Mark Robin recalled being invited, and after talking with the FCC Gouda Board, agreeing to say the masses in Gouda, after Father Dan Ceballos, msc, suddenly died in August 2016. He also talked about learning from us, that he admires our spirit of community. On a recent trip to the Philippines where because it was thought too dangerous for him to be in Mindanao, he stayed in Manila. There he was able to witness firsthand Filipino culture. He did not mind eating rice in the morning, but it was hot. In the evenings, it cooled down to 27 degrees C which was bearable. Like other Dutch people, he couldn’t quite understand how it is (possible) that very rich people and very poor people could live beside each other. Father Mark Robin added that he admired our FCC Gouda members’ commitment to being active in the church, to helping each other adjust to the culture, climate, and language, but especially the food, which must be very different from what we are used to.
He told us, “You brought your faith with you. You are missionaries yourselves. In sharing your faith, you are doing what the apostles were sent out to do at the very first Pentecost.” He congratulated the FCC Gouda, and urged us to continue with what we are doing. In parting, Father Mark Robin said, “Pagpapalain kayo nawa ng Diyos.” Thank you, Father Mark Robin! May God bless you, too. Then it was time to congratulate our dear Father Marcel, who had celebrated his birthday on May 25th. Amor van Os, FCC Gouda Chair, called on Jane Streefland-Osigan, FCC Gouda Treasurer, to bring a large box to the front which Hans presented to Father Marcel who seemed pleased to receive it and said thanks.
Then came the first presentation of the evening. Vivian Santua, Marietta Boswinkel-Retuya, Christy Jong-Seno, Benny Farma, Marivic Adema, Luz van Starre, Jenny Luna, Dita Koolwaaij-Subeldia and Catherine de Wild sang Ako ay Pinoy and Matayog ang Saranggola ni Pepe under the masterful guidance of FCC Gouda choir mistress Susan Horn-Perez. Tony Farma and John Santua accompanied them on their guitars.
The FCC Gouda Choir singing Ako ay Pinoy and Matayog ang Saranggola ni Pepe. Photo by Mary Lynn van Dijk.
Mr Frank Marcus, Vicevoorzitter of the Parochie Sint Jan de Doper in Gouda, was supposed to give a short talk. He gave it instead during the Mass. He related the beginnings of FCC Gouda, how in December 1997, the first once-monthly mass was held, organized by five Filipinos living in Gouda and Gouderak. (Note: Billy Hoogendoorn and Rebecca Oosterling are two of those original organizers who are still active in FCC Gouda.) He also related how in 1999, the Filipino Catholic Community (FCC) was established, with groups in Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Tilburg and Gouda. Father Dan Ceballos, msc, was appointed pastor and he said a mass each Sunday in a different location. (Note: With Father Dan’s untimely demise in August 2016, and after it was decided that the four FCCs go their separate ways, several priests were invited to say the Mass, until in 2018, Father Marcel Uzoigwe, CSSp, agreed to become shepherd to the FCC Gouda flock.) Mr Marcus added that on behalf of the parochie he was pleased to say that we are welcome to use the church for our masses and other activities for the next 25, 50, or even 75 years. We gave him a big applause. He then called on Amor, who has been FCC Gouda’s voorzitter for the last 12 years, and handed her a bouquet with 25 cream roses.
Frank Marcus and Amor. Photo by Mercy Ordiz.
Going back to the program, it was the turn of Consul Mr Nomer B. Ado II to give a speech. He was in Gouda on behalf of Ambassador Malaya, and after thanking the FCC Gouda for the invitation, relayed his congratulations. May we continue to foster the Filipino spirit in the Catholic Church, he said, and spread the kindness and hospitality of Filipinos all over the world. He also wished us the best for the celebration.
Consul Ado from the Philippine Embassy in The Hague giving his short talk. Photo by Mercy Ordiz.
As an intermission, Amor, now the emcee, took out the bunch of 25 roses and holding it up, said that the flowers were for all of us. She then gave it to Mercy Ordiz to distribute, with two flowers each for Billy and Rebecca. Next on the program was the medley of songs sung by Glenda Huisveld-Adonis and Leah Kilian-Macatangay, of the Salamat Musika group, and the FCC Dordrecht. They sang very well indeed.
Glenda and Leah singing their medley. Photo by Marissa van der Graaf.
After thanking them, Amor called on each of the past and present FCC Gouda Board members to come forward. She thanked them for their help and efforts and handed each of them a small present. Then Jane Streefland-Osigan, Martin Streefland, Susan Horn-Perez, Elpi Gutierrez, Irene Hameete, Jenny Luna, and Hans Oosterwijk posed for a photo with Amor.
As another short intermission, Amor called on couples to dance. Lovella and Lennart van der Weiden obliged as well as Vivian and John Santua and Benny and Tony Farma. They danced to the music played by Nova and Norie who comprise DJ Oxie2.
As it was almost 18:00, a break was deemed necessary so that people could have dinner. Everyone obediently took their place in a long queue, waiting patiently for their turn to get some food from the dining table full of mostly Filipino and Dutch (or other Western-style) dishes.
While some had eaten, and others were eating, the PowerPoint presentation created by Myra Colis was beamed on the wall. Father Marcel provided a commentary as photos were shown of the activities undertaken by the FCC Gouda in the last twelve years. (Note: Previous FCC Gouda Board members did not have the foresight to take photos.) In December 2016, the FCC Gouda Board changed the name of the community to FCC Gouda and (Its) Surroundings, and applied for recognition as a foundation. In January 2020, the FCC Gouda Foundation received ANBI status, which means periodic donations to FCC Gouda could be declared in one’s belastingaangifte (income tax return) and could theoretically reduce one’s tax due by the same amount of the gift. If the reader wishes to make a periodic donation to FCC Gouda, please contact one of the Board members.
The PowerPoint presentation featured photographs taken of the many activities FCC Gouda as a community has undertaken to fulfill its three core activities: Worship and Prayer, Services, and Improvement and Growth. The full presentation can be viewed on the Facebook page of FCC Gouda and Surroundings. Lovella van der Weiden and Christy Jong-Seno gave testimonials. Towards the end of the presentation, Father Gilbert Razon, SVD, who had celebrated a few Masses, admonished us to “huwag mag-away, mag-away” (don’t quarrel [with each other]) and wished us the best on this our 25th anniversary.
After this, we watched with delight as FCC Gouda dancers danced to the music of Mamang Sorbetero. Lea van Rhijn-Saga, Elpi Gutierrez, Rena van Kleunen, Irene Hameete, Jane Streefland-Osigan, Luz van Starre, Amor van Os, and Billy Hoogendoorn wore straw hats and kimonas over matching skirts. Kristine Baul Morsy played the role of the sorbetero (ice cream man) and she, too, had a straw hat on, a cool box to put in the ice cream, and a bell which she jiggled, like a real sorbetero.
FCC Gouda ladies dancing to Mamang Sorbetero. Photo by Mary Lynn van Dijk.
Their dance pleased the audience so much, they did an encore, with Rosa Cabrillas and Evelyn Mendoza of FCC Rotterdam and Marissa van der Graaf and Nova Villaver of FCC Dordrecht dancing along. Then it was the turn of FCC Dordrecht to present a dance. Marissa looked splendid in her pink terno, while Nova looked dashing in her barong Tagalog. They danced to a Pantomina Bicol folk song.
Marissa and Nova of the FCC Dordrecht dancing. Photo by Mary Lynn van Dijk.
After thanking Marissa and Nova for such a graceful dance, Amor asked Father Marcel to come to the front and light the tea lights around one of the three cakes baked and beautifully decorated by Lucy van Ginkel-Latraca. Amor asked Rebecca and Billy to come forward to cut the cake, but before they did that, Hans’s daughter and Lucy’s son, Bjorn, came to the front, at Amor’s urging, to represent FCC Gouda’s next generation.
Then came the modern interpretation of a traditional Igorot dance by Nila Tayco, Lilia Bartonico and Marissa van der Graaf. Nila and Lilia are from FCC Rotterdam, while Marissa is from FCC Dordrecht. It was a pleasure to watch the dancers in their traditional Igorot dress dancing with their woven baskets.
Lilia, Nila, and Marissa rendering their modern version of an Igorot dance. Photo by Mary Lynn van Dijk.
Amor then invited everyone to come and dance, and the FCC ladies took up their places on the dance floor, moving in time to the music with natural grace and talent. They also tried to follow the dance steps featured on the beamed videos, but some were much too difficult to follow.
The FCC ladies showing their dancing moves. Photo by Mary Lynn van Dijk.
Then it was the turn of the FCC Rotterdam group to present their La Jota Moncadena dance. Dancing were Arnold Paco and his partner, Lilia Bartonico, Rosa Cabrillas, Linda Sanchez, Margelita Limen and Milanie Eraya.
The FCC Rotterdam dancers dancing their LaJota Moncadena dance. Photo by Mary Lynn van Dijk.
What followed were the parlor games which included the newspaper game, Trip to Jerusalem, and other games, both for the adults and the children.
To close the celebration, the ladies dressed in Filipiniana were asked to come in front. The Best in Costume (Ladies) prize was given to Lovella van der Weiden who had an exquisite red terno on. She received the loudest applause from the audience. The men in their barong Tagalog also competed. Father Marcel received the most applause from the audience, and thus, he won the Best in Costume (Men) prize.
Congratulations to the FCC Gouda Board for organizing a highly successful event.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & THANKS Decorations were set up by Kristine Baul Morsy, Irene Hameete, Gene Boon and Jereco, Luz van Starre and Lea van Rhijn-Saga. Thank you, ladies, and Jereco. Thank you, too, to Marlyn Rontal who helped prepare the decorations but had to leave for the Philippines. Thank you to all who brought food and drinks to share. God will bless you for your generosity. Thank you, thank you to all who helped clean up after the event, under the leadership of Luz van Starre. Thank you to FCC Rotterdam and FCC Dordrecht for preparing songs and dances, and for coming to Gouda to help celebrate this auspicious occasion. Thank you, DJ Oxie2, for playing such danceable music. A special mention and big thank you to Tony Farma and John Santua for providing musical accompaniment with their guitars to the FCC Gouda choir’s wonderful singing. Thank you, lovely ladies of the FCC Gouda choir. You liven up our Masses. Thank you, Myra, for creating the PowerPoint presentation. Thank you, Mercy Ordiz, for taking photos of the event. Thanks, too, to those who contributed their photos. Our deep gratitude go to the sponsors of this event: B.E. Hartman, Jr. J.G. Follero Tessa van As Administratiekantoor FiHansieel Amor and Jaap van Os J.D. van Kleunen Lita Henke-Mariano Ton Smits V.B. Santua Lea and Alex van Rhijn Catherine and Herman de Wild Jane and Martin Streefland Elvie Padilla Gene Boon and Jereco Elpi Gutierrez Jochella Was-en Strijkservice. And special thanks to Marissa van der Graaf, Arnold Paco, Irene Hameete, Amor van Os, Jane Streefland-Osigan, and Susan Horn-Perez for their assistance with the names of those mentioned here. Finally, thank you very much to Marissa van der Graaf, and Mary Lou Ybañez Van Tol for uploading their video clips to the Facebook page of the FCC Gouda and Surroundings, where the singing and dancing can be viewed (again). Also thank you, Mary Lynn van Dijk for documenting our 25th anniversary celebration through this article– indeed a day to remember!
On May 28, 2023, the FCC Gouda & Surroundings community came together to celebrate its remarkable 25-year journey. This significant milestone not only marked the passage of time but also highlighted the unwavering commitment, unity, and faith that have shaped this community into a thriving force. Attendees reflected on their experiences, expressing gratitude for the collective effort, the guidance of Father Marcel Uzoigwe, and the sense of belonging that has made FCC Gouda a second home.
Working Together Towards Success: Arnold Paco, a devoted member of FCC Gouda & Surroundings, recognized the harmonious collaboration within the community. He emphasized the dedication of every individual to their roles, resulting in a well-organized and efficient group. Arnold encouraged everyone to continue relying on the guiding star of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that with faith as their compass, nothing is impossible.
A Family That Provides Support: Lita Henke, reflecting on her cherished memories, expressed immense joy at being part of the FCC Gouda community. Over the past 25 years, she and her late husband found solace and comfort in attending the Filipino mass. Lita felt at home from the moment they were warmly welcomed by the group. Despite the challenges of going to Gouda alone after her husband’s passing, she found solace in the supportive nature of the community. Lita’s continued participation is a testament to the family-like atmosphere and the unwavering support offered by FCC Gouda.
Fine & Fun, that’s how it went: Fr. Cyril summed up his experience in a concise yet powerful statement: “It was fine and it was fun.” His words captured the positive energy and enjoyment felt throughout the celebration, both during the Mass and the subsequent festivities.
A Reverend’s Perspective: Fr. Mark Robin Hoogland acknowledged the exceptional atmosphere that permeated the Mass and continued long after. The sense of unity and joy was palpable, creating a sacred space for celebration and worship.
Succesvol, Sfeervol, en Gezellig: Marrietta Boswinkel eloquently summarized the event in Dutch, expressing that it was highly successful, filled with ambiance, and a joyous affair. Her words echoed the sentiments of many who attended the anniversary celebration.
Congratulations and Support from FCC Dordrecht: Representing FCC Dordrecht, Marissa van der Graaf extended heartfelt congratulations to FCC Gouda & Surroundings on their 25th anniversary. She commended the community’s collective efforts, acknowledging the board members and all community members for their dedication to the Catholic community. Marissa highlighted the unity displayed by the husbands, who selflessly worked in the kitchen during the event, showcasing their love and support. She expressed the desire for continued collaboration and eagerly anticipated participating in FCC Gouda’s 30th anniversary celebration.
The Importance of Leaders and Followers: Maria Lovell van der Weiden recognized the vital roles played by both leaders and followers within the FCC Gouda community. She emphasized the need for unity and appreciation of every individual’s contributions. Maria applauded the supporters who often work behind the scenes, as well as the leaders who guide and steer the community’s direction. Through this balanced collaboration, she was confident in the community’s ability to thrive in the years to come.
A Home Away from Home: Kristine Baul expressed her gratitude for FCCG, likening it to a home away from home. She praised the community for its warm and welcoming nature, emphasizing the joyful celebration of their 25th anniversary. Kristine highlighted the cultural significance of Filipino songs and dances, which evoked nostalgia and pride. She acknowledged the importance of belonging to FCCG in strengthening her faith and thanked her FCCG family for their support.
Embracing Challenges and Sharing Talents: Amor van Os, reflecting on the journey of FCC Gouda, emphasized the trials faced along the way. However, she emphasized the presence of God as a constant companion, guiding the community through obstacles. Amor recalled the leadership challenges in 2012 and recognized the courage of Jan Boon, who took charge during that critical time. She encouraged every member to recognize their unique gifts and talents, urging them to share them with the community for collective growth.
To sum up, the 25th anniversary celebration of FCC Gouda & Surroundings was a testament to the unwavering unity, support, and faith that have defined this community. Attendees reflected on their experiences, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts of all members, the guidance of Father Marcel Uzoigwe, and the sense of belonging that binds them together. As they looked forward to the future, the attendees were confident that FCC Gouda would continue to flourish, embracing challenges, and remaining a vibrant beacon of faith for many more years to come.
By Fr. Marcel Uzoigwe, C.S.Sp. | Jer 20:10-13; Ps 69; Rom 5:12-15; Mt 10:26-33
Dear Friends in Christ,
There is a story of a little boy who was sent by his mother to go to the storeroom and get the bucket for her. The boy complained that it was too dark in the storeroom and he was afraid. The mother insisted, saying to him, “Don’t be afraid, my son. You know Jesus is there.” That gave him a bit of encouragement. With great apprehension, the boy opened the door of the storehouse and called out with a trembling voice: “Jesus, can you hand me the bucket, please?”
In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus said to his disciples, “Do not be afraid.” He had to say it three times. Perhaps the disciples were already showing signs of fear when Jesus was sending them to go preach the gospel. Though the words, “Fear not” appear 365 times in the Bible indicating that God wants us to live each day of the year without fear, fear remains a daily experience of the human race.
The first reading this Sunday gives us the same message. Jeremiah was constantly threatened by his enemies to who he was sent to proclaim the word of God. Not that he was a bad person. On the contrary, as prophet, he was God’s instrument in proclaiming the truth to the people. But for some people, the truth hurts. So they could not accept God’s message. And the most logical thing to do would be to silence the messenger to prevent the message from getting to the people. They made every effort to intimidate Jeremiah. At some point, even those Jeremiah considered to be his friends joined his enemies to seek his fall.
Jeremiah loved to live a peaceful and unperturbed life before God entrusted him with a difficult mission, which brought him into conflict with the authorities – the kings, priests and false prophets. He was given the task of challenging the people to keep the covenant they made with God or face the wrath of God. He emphasized the need for a deep personal relationship with God instead of the superficial religion, which the people practiced. His message was too hard for the people and they saw him as a prophet of doom. They shouted, “Let us denounce him” (Jeremiah 20:10). Proclaiming the truth can bring negative consequences to the one who proclaims it. This is the lot of most prophets. They were either killed or rejected by their own people. After the prophets, God spoke to His people through His Son, Jesus Christ. He, too, suffered the same fate. So, we can understand why Jesus had to speak the words three times: do not be afraid.
Jesus constantly used this exhortation to encourage his disciples not to be overwhelmed by the dangers they might encounter in the mission. Having told them all that would happen to them in the course of their life and ministry, how they would be put out of the Synagogue and at some point those who kill them would consider it as offering service to God, he concluded by saying, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). When the mission brought them into confrontation with the authorities of the time, they already knew that they needed not be afraid. But that does not take away the fact that fear is a constant challenge which every believer must constantly pray and struggle to overcome. The reasons are obvious.
The first law of nature is self-preservation. Instinctively, we avoid pain and sufferings. That is natural. Looking at the lives of the apostles and what they went through can be terrifying to someone trying to live the truth of his faith in some circumstances that are hostile to the truth. Imagine the experience of Paul recounted in 2Cor 11:24-27. Five times he received thirty-nine lashes at the hands of the Jews. Beaten with rods three times, coupled with shipwrecks and all kinds of dangers on the journey, especially what he described as dangers among false brothers.
In the face of such a grave duty to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom, however, we have to be courageous and move on despite all odds. Jesus did not mix words when he warned “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33). That was not meant to be a threat but a reminder of the reciprocity that is involved in witnessing. We cannot get what we deny. If fear keeps us away from doing something, we cannot get the result doing it should bring.
Let’s face it. Most of the wrongs that we do come about as a result of fear. Why do people tell lies and even go ahead to defend it? Perhaps it is because the truth may not be to their own advantage and they are not willing to put up with the consequences. Why do people resort to dishonesty and all kinds of unjust practices to gain temporal economic advantage? Mostly like because they do not want to lose their wealth, and the prospect of undergoing economic difficulties scares them. Why are people hesitant to fully give themselves in love? Perhaps because they have been hurt before, and they cannot allow themselves to get hurt again. Why are we reluctant to speak about the Lord and the hard truths of his teachings? It could be that we are afraid to be ridiculed by society. The list can go on and on. In all these, one conclusion is clear: self-interest is the root cause of all our fears. Jesus was aware of this when he laid down the condition of discipleship: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Mt 16:24).
If that is the case, why then did Jesus ask his disciples not to be afraid? It is simple: because our security is to be found in Him, and not in the world. When we give ourselves over to Jesus, we develop a new way of perceiving the world and all its fears and troubles. We the realize that true peace can only be found in God and in his principles which his word gives us. That is the peace Jeremiah, Paul and all the apostles had when they put their fears and troubles in the hands of God. Then like the little boy we will realize that Jesus is with us always. We do not have to be afraid.
