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.
Today we celebrate Pentecost. On Pentecost, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, which was promised by Jesus to his disciples. A lot of people can’t imagine much about this. Who or what is the Holy Spirit anyway? This is a good question because the Holy Spirit is the abiding presence of God among people. People throughout the ages have experienced that presence. It has helped them, comforted them, and prompted them to do great things. It was present at the beginning of creation, as the opening verses of the Book of Genesis tell us (Genesis 1:2). And he would be there at the end of time (Revelations 14:13). So, there is no fear of losing the presence of the Holy Spirit so long one is disposed to receive him.
We celebrate, therefore, the human consciousness of God’s engagement with the Universe and all in it: the creation of the universe when the Spirit of God hovered over the waters, the creation of humanity when God breathed his Spirit into Adam (Genesis 2:7) and the many instances of God’s Spirit’s involvement in human history. With Pentecost we celebrate the birth of the Church when the Spirit came upon the fearful apostles gathered in the Upper Room and commissioned them to go out and proclaim the Good News to all peoples. We read about that event in the First reading. But it is not just about beginnings, whether of creation or the Church, or even the beginning of this Filipino Catholic Community (FCC). It is the Holy Spirit that is the driving force without which neither creation nor the Church nor the FCC can move forward and fulfill its purpose.
When the Holy Spirit came, the apostles went out to preach to an audience that was so diverse. The reading noted that the people came from various parts of the world to celebrate Pentecost which was actually a Jewish harvest festival called Shavuot celebrated 50 days after the Passover. They were not expecting anything strange to happen until the apostles came forward saying things that not only made sense to them but were an extraordinary exposition of divine mysteries. More importantly, everyone present could understand them in their own native language without any interpreter. That was definitely not logical, that a person speaks in a language and everyone present understands what is said in his or her own native language, but a reality no one could deny, not even those who initially took them for drunken men. This reminds us of the Tower of Babel where the language of the people was confused and they could no longer understand each other (Genesis 11:1-9).
There is, of course, a clear difference between the goal of the Tower of Babel and that of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The goal of the people in building the Tower of Babel was to make a name for themselves. It was something about them, something natural. There is nothing wrong with seeking to make a name for oneself but when that is the sole purpose, the natural issues of tribalism, language, grouping, we against them, competition, etc. will arise and bring about divisions. Love will turn to jealousy, hatred, fighting, and backbiting. Nothing meaningful is achieved in such a situation. And that is what is described as the confusion of their language that brought an end to their project. Paul denounced these natural consequences which he referred to as the life of the natural man in his letter to Galatians. And he pleaded with them to live in the Spirit which brings love, peace, patience, collaboration, unity and all that is good, which all derive from the Pentecost celebration.
Today’s first reading describes the presence of the Holy Spirit with symbolic signs such as wind and fire. Wind and Fire are ancient Biblical symbols for the presence of God among men. And it is used here to describe the powerful new wind that blew over the old world to bring about a new creation. A creation where the walls that divide and separate humanity is abolished and a new form of brotherhood is introduced. A creation where people who ordinarily have nothing with each other would come together to form a new family of God’s people, living in love and respect for each other. A new creation that has made it possible for you and me, coming from different natural families, cultures and nations to be united in ‘one heart and one spirit’ in Christian fellowship. A new creation where the richness of diversity is harvested without destroying the uniqueness of the individual. The Holy Spirit does not mold people from different countries into sameness in the same manner a machine would mold materials to produce similar products. No. He preserves the uniqueness of everyone while urging everyone to work for the same purpose. We could see this in the case of Paul and Barnabas who disagreed about taking John Mark who left them halfway during their first mission. That disagreement did not stop them from preaching the same gospel along the different path that they took (Acts 15: 36-41).
Pentecost is a celebration of connectedness. Connectedness with each other and with God. And at the heart of this connectedness is love. Love that connects us to God. Jesus taught and lived with great love for people. Prior to His departure, He promised His disciples the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will lead them into all truth and remind them of all He taught them. The Holy Spirit helps people who open themselves to God and Jesus to approach and see people and things from a different perspective. When the light of faith threatens to be blown out, the Spirit is needed again to bring fire to faith. One who gives the Spirit every opportunity in his or her life will not testify as a lukewarm believer. A Spirit-filled person will testify full of fire, like one in love who cannot remain silent.
The coming of the Holy Spirit makes us aware of God’s presence within us and enables us to love and live in peace with our fellow human beings. If there is anything our world so desperately needs today, it is love and peace. The heart of every man and woman longs for love, to love, and to be loved. When people feel loved and cherished, they bring out the best in themselves. The true nature and essence of God’s presence in them become clear, and those around them experience peace and joy. The absence of love brings hatred, violence, and all kinds of evil, both to individuals and to society. No one can give what he does not have. Only a heart full of love can radiate love, and only a peaceful heart can give peace to others.
Today a new fervor apparently flares up, enthusiasm and inspiration in our hearts. The Holy Spirit is fire and love. Comforter who absolves and forgives, who warms, who inspires, enthuses, and overcomes fear. The Holy Spirit makes each of us a proclaimer of the Good News of Jesus by using the gift we receive from Him. The Holy Spirit, dear people, is there, among other things, to inspire and strengthen us to bear true witness in our present secularized society. Those who funded this community (Filipino Catholic Community) had their own challenges in the beginning. But they did not stop. They trusted God and allowed the Holy Spirit to lead them. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this wonderful Catholic Christian community, we are invited to do the same today and move the community forward.
Let us pray, therefore, that we may be filled with the Holy Spirit, and put His gift that we then receive to work for the betterment of the world around us. Amen
Today’s readings offer a message of hope in the midst of our confused world and difficult circumstances. It is sometimes surprising how quickly we slip into despair when things go wrong and our expectations don’t come true. This is part of human nature, but it keeps us trapped in our own way of thinking, preventing us from seeing things in a new and more enlightening way. Such was the case with the two disciples of Jesus, about whom we read in today’s Gospel. They were totally distraught after Jesus’ crucifixion and could not make sense of the story being told among their peers that Jesus had risen from the dead. That inability led them to leave the city of Jerusalem and make their way to a village called Emmaus.
The disciples had pinned all their hopes on Jesus, whom, after all, they considered their Messiah. Given the concept of the Messiah in those days, he would deliver them (the Jews) from the oppressive Roman occupiers. No wonder they once asked Jesus when He would restore the Kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:6). For this project they risked everything. What would happen to this project now that their Messiah had been crucified as a common criminal? With its collapse, the disciples’ lives were in danger, as both the Jewish leaders and the Roman rulers would surely come after them. Gradually the reading leads us to the source of human grief, which we can identify in one way or another. When we lose someone who has occupied a central place in our lives, a wife, husband, son or daughter, beloved friend, brother or sister; when the business we have built up during our lifetime collapses and with it our career comes to an end; when the foundation of our hope, our confidence turns into disappointment, how do we feel and react? All this comes close to the experience of the two disciples. We can mentally put ourselves in their situation and try to understand how that feels.
Therefore, the disciples left Jerusalem where they were and headed for Emmaus. Jerusalem is often referred to as the city of God, representing all that is good and divine. It is the seat of civilization for the Jews and the center of their theocracy. The temple of their pride, a symbol of God’s presence among them, is in Jerusalem, while Emmaus is a small village of no significance. What sorrow would cause these disciples to retreat from Jerusalem to Emmaus? It was indeed hard for them, but Jesus did not abandon them. He went with them as an unknown stranger.
The reading gives us some qualities that enabled the disciples to make some progress in their situation. They are described as open and welcoming. Although they did not know the stranger, they allowed him in and were willing to share their frustrations with him. Being hospitable is a great virtue that opens doors. The world has become so bad that everyone is suspicious of strangers and strange ideas, but without opening up, a person cannot improve himself. It is in sharing that we get to know the stranger, gain access to his or her world, and stop being strangers to each other. Imagine the opportunity that simple events, like sharing coffee or meals, can provide to engage in conversation with a fellow human being. Imagine the depth to which such conversations can lead, and the friendship that can result. It is said that by being hospitable, some welcomed angels (Acts 13:2).
As Jesus set out with them and listened to their frustrations, he began to explain the scriptures to them. This allowed them to understand what was written about the Messiah. Without recognizing Him, they took Him home because it was already late and thus unsafe for the stranger. As they shared their meal with Him, Jesus broke the bread and revealed Himself to them. Now their eyes opened and they recognized Him, but He disappeared from their sight, and with that, their doubts also disappeared, and their frustrations turned into joy. The same disciples who took Jesus in, because it was already dark outside, got up and returned to Jerusalem that very night. Their fears disappeared and courage took over. This is what also happens to us when we recognize the presence of Jesus among us. Jesus who brings us together, breaks and shares bread, and gives us the cup to drink every time we celebrate the Eucharist.
When life hurts us and we tend to turn our backs on God’s plan or turn to our “Emmaus,” it is time to open ourselves to the risen Lord. He is not dead, but alive, and He accompanies us, even in difficulties. We will see Him at the breaking of bread and we will experience the power of His resurrection.
Peter took time in the first reading to explain to the people that Jesus would not be left to the power of death. He is life itself and therefore overcomes death. He rises from the dead. That act of his rising from the dead has become the basis of life for all who believe in him, all who entrust their lives to him. By his death on the cross, he paid the price for our debts, and by rising from the dead he has given us a new birth as children of God (see second reading). Therefore Jesus promised that whoever lives and believes in him will not die for eternity (John 11:26 ).
The resurrection of Jesus and his self-revelation, as described in these two readings (1st reading and the Gospel), are great sources of hope and inspiration. Resurrection is not just something that happens at the end of our human experience. We are children of resurrection every day. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we have been given the strength to overcome our grief and pain, sorrow, and disappointments. We are assured that Jesus is with us all the way on our life journey, even when we do not recognize him. He is the stranger who intervenes to support us, enlighten us, and show us the way. Let’s, therefore, entrust our life with all its ups and downs to him knowing that the power that raised him from the dead works in us.
