Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Atilano Corcuera SVD – Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay
December 18 – Advent
In November 2016 I visited the Holy Land! Indeed it was so touching to see the world of Jesus and the important places where he lived and performed his saving acts which we call mysteries.
Together with our group were countless pilgrims of different colors, languages, sizes and cultures. There I also saw orthodox Jews reading the scriptures, Arabs manning different entry points, and of course the ever-present vendors of souvenirs and religious articles.
Back in the Philippines after sometime, some friends were a little bit curious why I seemed not to be so excited and eager to share experiences from the Holy Land. One even compared me to others who also visited Israel and were unstoppable in telling stories about their experiences.
Certainly the trip radically changed my outlook. When I read the Bible, especially the Gospels, now I can picture those places where Jesus moved and touched people. But deep in my heart, my reflection was that Jesus was no longer there in the Holy Land; what he left behind were marks of his presence, once upon a time. And yet he promised to be with us till the end of the age.
Where do I find him nowadays? Every time a sacrament is celebrated, there I meet him. Especially in the Eucharist, there I touch him with my very hands.
Every time I join a gathering in his name, I encounter him among friends. Going out of one’s way to spend time with the needy, one finds the presence of Jesus.
Indeed, this is what EMMANUEL means!
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