Many a time, we see people glory in the misfortune that befall their enemies. It is very easy to believe that people who do certain things that we consider unwholesome, or people who are different and live differently, are doing something very wrong. Worse still, when people suffer as a result of their fault, for something they did, we say that it serves them right. There are many such examples today. That was precisely what those who came to Jesus in the gospel believed about the Galileans whom Pilate slaughtered and mingled their blood with their sacrifice. This human attitude and sense of justice work better when it has to do with someone else. But if one of our own is involved, the attitude quickly changes.
It was clear that those who had this judgment about the Galileans had a holier-than-thou attitude. For them, the Galileans were sinners while they were the holy ones. By making such a judgment, they distanced themselves from those Galileans. When you judge someone, condemn him or her, and distance yourself from the person, there is no way you can understand the situation of the person and be of help to him or her. As Mother Theresa rightly pointed out, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”
Last week, I read a piece titled, “The first time I wept in Church” written by a young Nigerian man named James Terna on his Facebook page. In that piece, he narrated how he always sat in the same seat at church to avoid distractions. For months, a quiet and almost invisible woman occupied the seat beside him, always alone and often tearful during Mass. At first, he paid little attention, but one Sunday, he noticed she was trembling and appeared unwell. He often considered speaking to her but never did. One Sunday, he resolved to talk to her after Mass but got distracted. When he finally turned around, she was gone. The next week, he planned to reach out to her, but she was absent for the first time. Week after week, her seat remained empty. Then, the parish announced her passing. She had died alone, with no family, and the church had to arrange her burial. The realization struck James deeply. He had been physically present in church but had failed to truly see the suffering soul beside him. He wept, just as the lady had wept many times before without being noticed. At her burial, James brought flowers, but it felt meaningless. He reflected on how often people neglect the suffering around them, only to show up when it’s too late—traveling miles for a funeral but failing to check in and care when it truly matters.
The readings we have today call us to repentance and go further to point out what is required of us to show that we truly repent. First, Jesus used the parable of the fig tree that failed to bear fruit to remind us of the saying, “By their fruits, you shall know them”. So, being repentant is shown by the fruit we bear. John the Baptist made it his theme when the people came to him for baptism. He told them, “Bear fruits that befit repentance” (Matthew 3:8). Repentance is not something we claim, but something that claims us – something that changes everything about us: our perspective about life and death, about our relationship with God and people around us, about our attitude to material things, our strivings in life, and so on. It is felt by those we relate to because the Godliness in a repented soul is readily felt, and leaves footprints wherever we go. The Christian life is not private. There must be synchronism between our private life and life in public. We cannot confess Jesus in the Church and deny him once we get out there in the public. That is why Jesus said in Matthew 10:32-33, “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.”.
Jesus went further to assure us that God is patient with the sinner just as the owner of the vineyard was patient with the unfruitful fig tree. But such patience has a time limit. For the fig tree, it was three years. For human beings, we do not know how long because no one knows when his or her life will end. The story of James Terna shows that God provides us with the opportunity to bear fruit by being God’s loving presence to someone in need. However, our ability to recognize such an opportunity depends on our understanding of what it means to live the life of God. It happens that we are so concentrated on ourselves, our salvation, our interests, and our well-being that we do not recognize the person next to us. Yet, when Jesus was discussing the criteria for attaining eternal life in heaven, he said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25: 40). And that brings us to the first reading where we see Moses being sent to Egypt to liberate the Israelites in slavery.
Before the mission to Egypt, Moses had tried severally to fight for his people, having seen their pitiable situation. On one such occasion, he killed an Egyptian who was fighting an Israelite. But when the same Israelite betrayed him, he feared for his life and fled to Midian (Exodus 2:14). He started a new life with Jethro, the priest of Midian whose daughter he married. It was at this period that he was busy building up his family that God came to send him back to the same Egypt he was fleeing to liberate the people who betrayed him. The mission of Moses was not for his well being, but that of others. The text of the reading made it clear that the call of Moses was significant, filled with the strange phenomenon of a burning bush. He was not to find it easy. But when God revealed his name “I AM WHO I AM”, it became clear to Moses that what his human effort could not achieve is possible with God. What was required of him was to make himself available and let God do the rest.
When you realize that your life has a purpose that goes beyond your interest, you will begin to understand that you have a mission to accomplish. And that mission is given to you by God who is only waiting for you to say yes. Jesus came to accomplish a mission. He recognized it as something required of him by his Father. Moses was called to accomplish a mission. He could see the hand of God in that call. We are all called to accomplish one mission or the other. But without repentance from our self-centeredness, egoism, hatred, sin, and everything that blinds us and keeps us away from God, we would never recognize such a mission. Like Moses before his call, we would never understand the real purpose of our life on earth. We would live like any other animal: eat, drink, do one selfish thing or another, and die.
As we advance in our Lenten observances, let us recognize that Lent is a grace period to reflect on our lives and seek to understand the aspects of our lives that God is calling each of us to pay closer attention to become holy and ready for every mission He wishes to entrust into our hands. So, instead of wasting our limited time standing in judgment over those whom misfortune has befallen, let’s heed the warning of Paul in the second reading: learn from their misfortune so as not to experience such. More importantly, get ourselves ready to respond to the invitation to humble repentance and good works before our time on earth runs out.
The Filipino Catholic Communities in the Netherlands celebrated the joyous season of Advent and Christmas with a series of meaningful events that brought together members of the community in Gouda and Hoofddorp. These events not only fostered the spirit of togetherness but also deepened the faith and traditions of the Filipino Catholics living abroad.
Simbang Gabi at Josephkerk, Gouda (December 18, 2024)
The festive celebrations began with the much-loved Simbang Gabi (Night Mass), held at Josephkerk in Gouda on December 18, 2024. Simbang Gabi, a tradition deeply cherished by Filipino Catholics, is a series of nine early morning or evening masses in anticipation of Christmas. For the FCCG, this event marked the beginning of their Christmas celebration, bringing together families and friends to pray and prepare spiritually for the birth of Christ.
This special mass was facilitated by Fr. Alan de Guzman, who led the congregation through a spiritually enriching service. His homily resonated deeply with the attendees, as he shared messages of hope, faith, and the importance of family during this holy season. The FCCG organized this event as a way to keep the Filipino Christmas traditions alive, even while living far from home.
Simbang Gabi at Joannes de Doper Kerk, Hoofddorp (December 19, 2024)
The Simbang Gabi continued the following evening at Joannes de Doper Kerk in Hoofddorp, where the Filipino Catholic Community members gathered to celebrate the anticipation of Christ’s birth. Like the previous night in Gouda, this mass was facilitated by Fr. Alan de Guzman, and was equally filled with prayer and reflection.
Both Simbang Gabi celebrations were sponsored by the Filipino Catholic Community Gouda and its Surrounding (FCCG), a vibrant and welcoming community that offers support to Filipino Catholics in the region. These events allowed participants to reconnect with their roots and celebrate their shared faith and cultural traditions.
Christmas Mass and FCCG Christmas Party at Josephkerk, Gouda (December 22, 2024)
The festive atmosphere continued on December 22, 2024, with a special Christmas Mass at Josephkerk in Gouda and was facilitated by Fr. Marcel. This mass marked the culmination of the Christmas celebrations for the FCCG. The church was filled with joy and reverence as the community came together to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Following the mass, the FCCG Christmas Party took place, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. DJ Norie provided the music, ensuring that the event was filled with energy and excitement. The highlight of the evening was a special performance by Merlinda Dano, whose voice resonated with warmth and love, perfectly capturing the spirit of the holiday season.
In addition to the music, the evening was filled with Christmas caroling by the FCCG choir, which performed beloved Filipino Christmas carols. The choir’s beautiful renditions of traditional Christmas songs brought the crowd into a spirit of celebration and unity.
A Season of Joy, Faith, and Fellowship
The FCCG’s celebration of Simbang Gabi, the Christmas Mass, and the Christmas Party was a testament to the strength of faith, family, and Filipino traditions. It was a heartwarming way for members of the community to share joy, build lasting memories, and reflect on the significance of Christmas, even as they were far from home.
On November 24, 2024, the Filipino Catholic Community in Gouda and its surrounding areas (FCCG) gathered to witness a significant milestone in the lives of Teunis, Kevin, and Elpi. Teunis and Kevin received the sacrament of Baptism, while Elpi was confirmed, with Fr. Marcel officiating the ceremonies at H.-Josephkerk in Gouda. These sacraments hold profound significance in the Catholic Church, marking essential stages in a person’s faith journey.
Baptism, the first of the sacraments, symbolizes spiritual rebirth and the cleansing of sin. For Teunis and Kevin, their adult baptisms were a conscious and heartfelt decision to embrace the Catholic faith, signifying their commitment to beginning a new life in Christ. Through Baptism, they were welcomed into the Church, entering into a sacred relationship with God and the faith community.
Confirmation, which follows Baptism, strengthens the gifts of the Holy Spirit and deepens one’s connection to the Church. For Elpi, receiving this sacrament was a reaffirmation of her faith, equipping her with the grace and strength to live more fully as a disciple of Christ. It also marked her readiness to take on a more active role in the Catholic community, carrying forward the mission of spreading the Gospel.
Fr. Marcel led the ceremonies with care and reverence, guiding Teunis, Kevin, and Elpi through these transformative moments. The members of the FCCG gathered in joyful support, bearing witness to this profound step in their spiritual journeys.
Through Baptism and Confirmation, Teunis, Kevin, and Elpi were not only strengthened in their faith but also deepened their connection to the Catholic Church, embarking on a new chapter in their spiritual lives. Their commitment serves as an inspiration to the community, reminding everyone of the beauty and power of faith.
The Filipino Catholic Community – Gouda and Its Surrounding (FCCG) hosted a vibrant and meaningful social gathering on November 9, 2024, at Antoniuszaal 2 in Gouda. The event was a beautiful celebration of faith, fellowship, and fun, offering members a chance to connect, reflect, and strengthen their bonds as a community.
The evening began with a warm welcome for all guests, creating an inclusive and friendly atmosphere. This was followed by an Opening Prayer led by Father Marcel Uzoigwe, who invoked blessings and peace upon the gathering. The prayer set the tone for a night rooted in faith and shared purpose.
A key highlight of the evening was a Workshop led by Father Cyril Inam. The workshop is designed to deepen spiritual understanding and foster personal and community growth. In particular, the workshop’s focus was on the topic of gossip within communities.
The word gossip has an interesting history that might surprise you. It actually started out as a positive term in Old English, called god-sibb or god-sibling. Back then, it referred to godparents—people chosen to sponsor a child during baptism. Over time, the term also came to describe women who supported a mother before, during, and after childbirth. These women weren’t just there to help with the baby; they were part of a circle of trust, offering care, companionship, and guidance during such an important time.
But as the years went by, the word gossip took on a very different meaning. Instead of being about close relationships and support, it started to describe casual or “idle” talk, often about other people. This kind of talk could be harmless or evaluative, sometimes unnecessary or excessive. Today, when we hear the word gossip, it’s often tied to rumors or speculative conversations about others, and it’s usually seen in a negative light. While rumors can be about anything, gossip always involves people—whether the information is true or not. And even now, the word still carries a hint of judgment or disapproval.
During the workshop, Father Cyril provided an insightful and balanced perspective, defining gossip as idle talk or rumors about others that can both connect and divide people. He highlighted the dual nature of gossip. On the negative side, it can lead to misunderstandings, spread false information, and create divisions, fostering mistrust within communities. However, Father Cyril also emphasized its positive aspects, such as its ability to build social networks, strengthen relationships, and help people understand social norms and values.
The key takeaway was a call for mindful communication. While gossip can help people connect, it needs to be handled responsibly to minimize harm. Father Cyril’s thoughtful reflections left a lasting impression on attendees, encouraging them to foster healthier and more constructive interactions.
After the workshop, the evening transitioned into moments of entertainment and joy, showcasing the community’s diverse talents. Arnold and Lillia performed a delightful musical piece, followed by an energetic dance performance by FCCG members, captivating the audience and lifting spirits.
Adding to the fun, David Beeren led a Bachata Dance Lesson, teaching participants the lively and sensual moves of this joyful dance style. The lesson brought everyone together, reflecting the FCCG community’s vibrant and inclusive spirit.
The night concluded with a lively Disco Party, where everyone let loose and danced the night away. This energetic finale was a perfect way to celebrate the bonds of faith, fun, and fellowship that had been strengthened throughout the evening.
The event highlighted the vital role of faith in connecting and uplifting communities while also underscoring the importance of balancing reflection with joy. It was a powerful reminder that meaningful relationships are built through shared experiences, thoughtful communication, and moments of gratitude and celebration.
The FCCG Board extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the event’s success. This gathering was not just a celebration but a testament to the power of faith, collaboration, and a shared sense of belonging.
By Fr. Marcel Uzoigwe, CSSp. (Jer 31:7-9; Psalm – Ps 126; Heb 5:1-6; Mk 10:46-52)
Dear friends in Christ,
The Gospel gives us the story of a man called Bartimaeus. He was a blind beggar. But there was something about him that sets him apart. Though blind, he had a powerful perception, knew what he wanted, and was courageous. His name says a lot about him. Bartimaeus comes from Aramaic and means “son of defilement”. Since the Jews believed that blindness and other physical defects were punishments due to sin (see the argument on the man born blind John 9:34), they looked down on him. But that is not all. There is another side to the meaning of his name. In the Greek version, this name means “son of honor”. By giving the name Bartimaeus with its double meaning, the Gospel writer must be saying that there is someone who is supposed to be a man of honor and dignity but is living in a state of dishonor and shame.
The story of Bartimaeus has lots of lessons for us. This was a blind man who had, for a time, accepted his condition and settled for being a beggar, a life of dependency on the goodwill of others. But inwardly, he knew he wanted something more: to see. But there was no possibility in sight since it has never been known that a blind person is healed of his blindness. So, he had to settle for what was available. This is not far from the story of most of us. Just think of the inner longing that we all have. When we were kids, we dreamed big. But as we grew up, we came to accept that our dreams were impossible to achieve. So, we learned to cut down on what we believed we could become. But that was the beginning of self-sabotage as we allowed our environment and people around us to limit our eagerness to try out the vast potentials that exist in us.
The limited visions, beliefs and logical reasoning of people around us began to shape our perspectives. In the case of Bartimaeus , these were the people who shouted at him to keep quiet when he called out to Jesus to help him. They did not believe that Jesus could do something tangible for this blind man. He is blind and should simply remain so. You have people who tell you that given your background, you cannot go beyond a certain level in society. Such persons are ready to point to several examples of people from backgrounds like yours who simply couldn’t make it beyond the point they claim you too cannot exceed. But they forget that even Jesus was seen as a son of a carpenter from a remote village, Galilee from which no prophet is to arise (cf. John 7:52). Besides the fact that his parents were poor, he chose his disciples from among the poor, uneducated fishermen and notorious tax collectors whom the people considered sinful and enemies of the state.
But all these could not stop Bartimaeus. He shouted even more. What does that tell us? Every worthwhile venture encounters obstacles. Unless you are unwilling to move further in life, you should understand that progress in life is about facing challenges and overcoming them. Look at the life of the apostles of Jesus. They faced enormous troubles and difficulties in their bid to proclaim the good news. How could they have archived what they accomplished, given their powerless situation and the challenge they faced? The Roman Empire was so strong and brutal that no one dared to question its rules. Yet, despite all the persecutions, the apostles and early Christians never gave up. They believed in the power of God in them. They knew that with God all things are possible. Paul described this inner belief and confidence in God in his letter to the Romans 8: 31-39. They were faced with death, persecution, suffering, and all what not. Yet, none of them could separate them from the love of Christ because they have come to understand that in all things, we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ who has granted us his love.
Fear is a factor that everyone who wants to move further in life must address. Fear robs us of all valuables. We are often afraid of various things, most of which are neither necessary nor ever come to pass. We worry about what people think about us when no one actually cares. Yet it robs us of trying new things or living our life to the fullest. But the moment we get over that, we quickly overcome gossip, envy, backbiting, and people-pleasing. We transfer the energy and time all that rob us to improve ourselves and create better living conditions for ourselves and our loved ones. Above all, we create more time to understand ourselves and our relationship with God who cares the most. The people surrounding Bartimaeus did not care about him. Healing his blindness was not their concern. But Jesus cared, and he still cares.
There is one thing about life that we must never forget: failure has no friends. In the society and the time that Bartimaeus lived, his condition as a blind man marked him out as a natural failure and reduced him to a common beggar. He had no respect among his peers. After all, he was dependent on their generosity to survive. Have you seen how materially dependent people live in societies where wealth or abilities define status? If you lose your job and have to depend on social security, you will realize that there are several things you are not allowed to do. But the moment you begin to flourish, get wealthy, or have a lot to offer, those who disregarded you would seek to become your friends. That is life. Notice how the very people who tried to shut the mouth of Bartimaeus were the same persons who began to encourage him the moment Jesus asked them to bring Bartimaeus to him. They began telling him, “Courage, the master is calling you”.
The Bible notes that to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace (Rom. 8:6). The people were spiritually blind not to have seen that it was the same God that created them also created Bartimaeus. They have been blinded by material considerations. And that is not different from life considerations in today’s society. You are nobody if you are dependent or if you have nothing to offer. What you can offer, the value you bring to the table, is what defines you. Yet we cannot take any of these things along when we die. That is why Jesus called those who store up treasure without seeking to be friends with God fools in Luke 12:21. What are your criteria for judging and regarding people?
We might be wondering at what could have kept Bartimaeus going when every other person tried to put him down? I think it is the fact that he knew what he wanted and was focused on it. Focus increases our determination, helping us to concentrate all our energies on the one single thing that matters. You cannot stop a person that is focused on a single goal because his or her level of concentration is very high. It is like having one and only opportunity to do something you have longed for all your life. When the opportunity calls, the person would be willing to give it all, never to allow it pass by. That is what Bartimaeus did.
It is sometimes amazing that when you ask a person what he or she wants in a given situation, the person gets lost in thought. This is an experience that often keeps me wondering if we understand the importance of being focused in life. Let us say you are here in the church today. If I should ask you why you have come or what you want from God the most right now. Can you just say it in one minute? There is a game where a child is taken to a supermarket and is told on the spot to pick anything he or she wants within three minutes. It is something funny to see what some children pick. But those who have longed for a particular thing would quickly go to where those things are placed and pick up one for himself or herself. That is what happened to Bartimaeus. Jesus asked him what he wanted him to do for him. Bartimaeus did not hesitate for a moment. He knew what he wanted. He only wanted to see, full stop.
Seeing comes with responsibilities. The moment he is healed of his blindness, he will cease to beg and have to provide for himself. He would have to adhere to rules and learn to do things like every other person. All the exemptions he enjoyed as a blind person would cease. This sounds funny, but some people are so afraid of responsibilities that they seek to remain dependent in one way or the other. They hide their talents and are too shy to come to the forefront. These people are afraid to leave their comfort zones to explore their talents and try new things. They don’t want to do anything out of the ordinary. Do you know that some of you have extraordinary talents? Great cooks, musicians, singers, writers, advisers, mentors, positive thinkers, and countless spiritual gifts? But fear of the accompanying responsibilities and that of what people would say keep you numb. IS it not time to explore these gifts, both temporal and spiritual?
Today, we are called to break free from all shackles of blindness and fear and embrace the life of grace that God is giving us. We are more than what the world thinks of us. We can do all things by the power of Christ who is our strength. When Bartimaeus was healed, he followed Jesus. So, let us come to Jesus who invites us so that he can open our eyes to see how great the riches his call holds for us. Amen.
