The WORD in other words (2009) by Fr Adonis Narcelles SVD – Germany
Friday 6th Week in Ordinary Time
On the feast of Corpus Christi, Cardinal Georg Sterzinsky of the Archdiocese of Berlin invited the faithful to a diocesan celebration of the Holy Mass, this time outside the Cathedral. After the Mass, there was a procession through the affluent streets of Berlin. This expression of faith in public received various reactions from the general public, like tourists, curious passerby and busy shoppers. Such religious indifference prevails not only in this capital city of Germany where only about nine percent of the population are Catholics, but also in many European countries.
Jesus in today’s Gospel reminded those who are ashamed of him and his words, that he himself will be ashamed of them in the Father’s glory. The public expression of faith, religiosity and spirituality is a great challenge for many believers — especially in countries where they are only a minority, or in places where Christians are prohibited to exercise religious events in public.
For us Filipinos abroad, being a missionary is not an easy task. The joy of praying which we experienced in the Philippines is no longer felt in many places where we live and work. Some of us experience a faith shock. The faith which is alive in many homes and spoken in streets, inside jeepneys, and in malls are no longer there. This sudden change of faith atmosphere is not easy for some. But still this faith we received at home gives the strength we need especially during difficult and trying times while we are away from our loved ones. These challenges make our witnessing to others a real mission of carrying our cross daily to follow Christ through death and resurrection.
Let us thank God for the gift of faith we received from our parents, relatives, teachers, catechists, and priests. Let us treasure this faith and let it grow. Let us share the joy of believing with others. Pope Benedict XVI inspires us when he said: “Whoever believes in me will never be alone.”
