Holy Land Experience

Having had the chance to visit the Holy Land last Oct. 6-12, 2012 was certainly an unforgettable experience to thank God for.

For one thing, the Neo-Catechumenal group with whom we joined were most considerate and friendly, not just exteriorly but from sincere desire and devotion of the heart.  That made the experience doubly memorable since we don’t usually expect such warmth and care from a mixture of elder Asian bisops of different nationalities of Asia.  Surely warmth and sincerity are always visible if they truly come from the heart.

The occasion that took place in Galilee was the convivence (a get together) of more than 165 Catholic bishops from Asia, even including some other rites which also belonged to the Catholic faith (like the Siro-Malabar rite, for example), most of whom had links with the Neo-Catechumenal groups organized worldwide by Kiko Arguello.

What is important in gatherings like these is the help we get from other well-meaning friends who guide us in our quest for the truth.  In this world where we know the devil has been given the freedom to spread his errors, how important it is that we help one another find the truth in every situation, especially in matters vital to our eternal salvation.  If we want to make sure of success in material pursuits, how much more should be our interest in securing success in matters connected to the eternal felicity of our spirit.  Surely this is just a confirmation of Jesus’ parting words to His disciples: “I give you a new commandment: love one another; just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.  By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples” (Jn. 13:34-35). 

How heavenly is the companionship of people who witness in truth, sincerity and action to the veracity of such love and care.  They are a testimony indeed that God knows and reads the deepest secrets of the human heart.  The Bible psalms extol such unity, harmony and patience that could only be fruit of prayer and God’s grace: “how good, how delightful it is for all to live together like brothers:…copious as Hermon dew falling on the heights of Zion, where Yahweh confers his blessing, everlasting life” (Ps.133:1-3).