Tag: Fr. Joel Sulse

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Farewell, Fr. Joel . . .from SSAP Parish Pastoral Council

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It seems only yesterday when you started out as Parish Priest and Spiritual Assistant. How time flies. On behalf of the Parish Pastoral Council, We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being our Guardian Angel these past years.

Thank you for opening doors for us, having the mutual desire to share God’s love. As Pastor, you have given us much more than thought and skill.

A compelling Pastor, yet one of us:
Never the boss, yet controlling the flow: kind, free and caring, groovy and wise.

Thank you for all that you have done. How much love resides therein! The pastoral care you have been can never be measured. Heads above the rest in mind and heart.

The Parish Pastoral Council officers and members with the parishioners share your dream of working together as a team.

Your openness to help endears you to us. On leaving your care, we must look back to grow. Upon these memories we lay our farewell to you.

God bless you more Fr. Joel. . .
We love you.

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Articles CCD

Goodbye And Godspeed, Fr. Joel!

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The ringing bells at the Parish Centre at 10.15am on Sunday, 6 April, heralded the end of classes; and the joyful shouts and laughter of children told their own story – the end of another school year at CCD (Continuing Catholic Development).

It was also the day of a very special time in CCD’s history, the last celebration of their usual year-end Thanksgiving Mass with Father Joel Sulse, OFM, presiding. With nostalgia and sadness and also with gladness and celebration, the CCD family – parents and students, friends and supporters and teachers and committee – filled all the bays in the Social Hall to bid farewell and best wishes to Father Joel, who would be leaving for Rome to pursue his studies for a doctorate in Divinity. For the past five years Father Joel was not only CCD’s Spiritual Advisor, but to many, he was also their Friend, their Confessor, their Mentor.

After his homily, Father Joel also bade farewell to his congregation. He said that the best memory of CCD with him was the certain and sure knowledge he has of the combined efforts of both the parents, and the teachers and the committee in ensuring that the children received the best formation and religious education available to them. He commended the teachers and the committee for their selfless and generous service to the Lord and to their community in implementing and sustaining one of the best CCD programs he is aware of; and his only request was that they continue.

In their tribute to Father Joel, CCD said that during his time and with his guidance and support, CCD has grown from strength to strength – its curriculum and work program were set and in place and the dramatic increase in the number of student population – not only in the returning students but incoming new students as well – were the most visible and tangible legacy from him.

Thank you and Goodbye Father Joel.

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“CWL Will Always Remember You, Fr. Joel!,” by C. Quesada

10Last April 5th the Catholic Women’s League gave Fr. Joel Sulse a despedida luncheon. He will soon leave for Rome for further studies.

We find it hard to say good bye to someone like Fr. Joel because we have grown very fond of him. He always has a smile for those he meets. You will never see him angry. He is approachable and makes time for you

Our CWL scholars simply love him. They love his teachings because somehow Fr. Joel touches their lives. One scholar shared how abandoned he felt when his father left the family. Fr. Joel told him that he knows how he feels because the father of his nephews also left the family and he took the role of the father.

The scholars honored Fr. Joel with songs, dances, poems and cards, Truly Fr. Joel will always be remembered.7

Diane C. Pangilinan, a college scholar of Catholic Women’s League Santuario de San Antonio Parish, drew the image of Fr. Joel Sulse in behalf of all the CWL Scholars, as a tribute for Father Joel as he leaves the parish.

Diane says, “We believe that it is not enough to show how much Father Joel has shared himself among us. We are all very blessed to experience his love and compassion as our spiritual father.”
Well done, Diane!

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Articles CCD

GOODBYE AND GODSPEED FATHER JOEL! from CCD

11

The ringing bells at the Parish Centre at 10.15am on Sunday, 6 April, heralded the end of classes; and the joyful shouts and laughter of children told their own story – the end of another school year at CCD (Continuing Catholic Development).

It was also the day of a very special time in CCD’s history, the last celebration of their usual year-end Thanksgiving Mass with Father Joel Sulse, OFM, presiding. With nostalgia and sadness and also with gladness and celebration, the CCD family – parents and students, friends and supporters and teachers and committee – filled all the bays in the Social Hall to bid farewell and best wishes to Father Joel, who would be leaving for Rome to pursue his studies for a doctorate in Divinity. For the past five years Father Joel was not only CCD’s Spiritual Advisor, but to many, he was also their Friend, their Confessor, their Mentor.

After his homily, Father Joel also bade farewell to his congregation. He said that the best memory of CCD with him was the certain and sure knowledge he has of the combined efforts of both the parents, and the teachers and the committee in ensuring that the children received the best formation and religious education available to them. He commended the teachers and the committee for their selfless and generous service to the Lord and to their community in implementing and sustaining one of the best CCD programs he is aware of; and his only request was that they continue.

In their tribute to Father Joel, CCD said that during his time and with his guidance and support, CCD has grown from strength to strength – its curriculum and work program were set and in place and the dramatic increase in the number of student population – not only in the returning students but incoming new students as well – were the most visible and tangible legacy from him.

Thank you and Goodbye Father Joel.

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A Special Message from Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM

“I am deeply honored and humbly touched by the support and love accorded to me by you, my beloved parishioners. Day and night I asked the Lord for the graces you need; and I am convinced that God heard my voice and supplications for all of you. You have shaped my life as a Franciscan religious. You have been my teacher like Jesus. It was all of you who developed the likes of being a pastor in me. For all these, I am grateful to all of you, to Sts. Anthony and Francis, and to the Lord forever. I will be staying in Rome for three years to pursue a course on Spiritual Theology focused on Franciscan Spirituality. I’m doing this in obedience to the mandate given me by the Minister Provincial and his Council through the recommendation of our Formation Council. Following the will of the Holy Spirit for me, I am pursuing this because it is needed by our congregation. May the Lord bless me and keep me. Please pray for me. My prayers remain for all of you. God bless you for all the generosity and support you have showered the parish during my stint. Please extend the same love and support to the Pastoral Team and to our Franciscan Province, in general. Till we meet again! Happy Easter to all!”

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“Blindness and Power Play” by Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM

“You were born a sinner and now you teach us!”

This remark by the Pharisees to the man-born-blind is a very paralyzing and belittling statement. This is borne out of a certain bias against him since they believe that his physical disability is a product of a curse or a sin done by his ancestors. The blind man suffers all the more from this merciless cultural bias.

I have been ministering to a few thousands of inmates in my ten years as a priest. I became close to them that I have often seen the others going back and forth to the penitentiary even though their cases had already been dismissed. One of the compelling realities I have discovered which has really surprised me is the common remark from the inmates. I have known of the sad state that they have encountered outside. They have experienced the most difficult and most trying moments in convincing people and the company they apply for in seeking a job. One inmate said “Applying for a job is very difficult than having policemen catch us.” They said it was double agony on their part experiencing rejection from the society where they belong. The bias is so enormous that the rejection is like a two-edged sword slashing them to the bone. Even their closest friends and their families have developed the same kind of prejudice against them. Too sad to think but indeed it is a reality happening every minute of the day in their lives.

The experience of the man-bornblind and the inmates I have known are in no way different. They tell a story of power play at work in our society. The sad thing is that this power play of authority is mostly present in the human heart. It pierces through the brain of every human individual and dictates us to commit and develop a more biased culture amongst us. The reason why Jesus healed the man-born-blind is to shake the authority of the Pharisees regarding their on-going neglect in understanding the very essence of the Sabbath Law, and that is to give and nurture life and not to curtail one’s freedom to experience God’s mercy and compassion. Who is really in control of the situation? To which type of authority do we belong? What other related biases have we done?

Jesus in the gospel would like us to recognize that the spiritual blindnessof the Pharisees is a serious crime far greater than the physical blindness of a person. What is so inspiring in the story is the challenge asked by Jesus to the man-born-blind, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” And the response He got was “Lord, I believe!” And we were told that he worshiped Him. Indeed “Blessed are the lowly for they will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Superiority separated all God’s creation beyond human imaginings. It divided the world into countless groups. Differences were solidified that instead of experiencing the universality of the innateness in each one of us, it penetrated into the instincts of human and other living beings. It became a culture, and thus, the sufferings of the world are but products of this enormous mistake. Superiority has always been the problem. But a solution has been offered to us in the humanity of Christ himself…that though He is a God, He did not deem equality with God. Rather, He emptied himself and took the form of a slave. This is the humility of God shared to help humankind understand that there is another way to become great in His eyes.

Can we stop belittling others and stop subscribing to the offers of being superior to others? What about choosing the path of the man-bornblind? He believed and worshiped Jesus! Let us continue to move on to this meaningful Lenten journey.

Read More about Fr. Joel and his reflections.

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“Vengeance, Violence …Love, Holiness” by Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM

Browsing through my files while preparing my reflections for this Sunday, I asked to reprint this reflection of mine about Mt. 5:38-38. Paving our way to the road of the Lenten season, I feel that the thoughts here will help focus ourselves with the beauty of the Law and human relationships. It goes with the rewards that await us if we just anchor ourselves into the ways of God.

Injury is the force why people and nations cause harm and inflict pain on one another. A person may look physically all right but injury may have piled-up from within. Down through the years, a person may have tolerated it but the pain still remains. How can one overcome this? And what is the better option?

Judaism tries to moderate all forms of vengeance. It teaches one not to hate an enemy but to love one’s neighbor. Matthew affirms this in Jesus dismissing the Jewish teaching as narrow legalism. Jesus raised it to a higher degree of understanding introducing the Law of Love.

“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”(v.38) This implies that punishment cannot exceed the injury done. God’s purpose actually is to show mercy and not to injure. Thus, Jesus pacifies their thoughts by giving them the guidance they need – not to retaliate nor seek vengeance but to go out of our way to forgive. This is not easy but the price is worth the heavens.

If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other. (v. 39) As a follower of Jesus, we were taught on how we can maintain our composure in front of a trial. He taught us not to be vengeful, nor to hold a grudge against a person, but to forgive. A slap in the face may mean criticism, insult, abuse, malice of any kind, threat, rumor, even physical and verbal abuse. Again, to forgive is the way to reach the heavens.

If someone takes your tunic, give your cloak. (v. 40) This is about “property injury.” As followers of Jesus, He advised us not to be consumed with fighting over property and rights. He knows very well that we cannot take them to our deathbed, nor to the heavens. He wants us to forget self and our property rights and focus on how we can attain our own salvation and the salvation of others. The more therefore that we give our property for the greater glory of God in service to others most especially the less fortunate, the more that He will open His door for us accompanying us to a reserved room for us in the heavens.

Forced to go one mile? Go with him two miles. (v.41) Remember Simeon of Cyrene in Mt. 7:32? Jesus is telling us that we should rather preoccupy ourselves in relieving others of their burdens. If we are therefore the criticizing and the complaining type, or the bitter and the resentful type, or the begrudging and the self-pitying type, then we have to do something and really ask ourselves, “Do I have the original nature of a good person created in God’s image and likeness?”

Give… and do not turn away.(v.42) Christian charity is a very good virtue rooted in Jesus himself who gave His life as a ransom for many. This is the highly valued Christian ethic, that we need to help those who are in need, and we really have to help. Is my help tied up with some other motivations? Am I trumpeting to the world what I have given? Is the help coming from within the very core of my inmost being? Am I really eager to give, even the most valued possession all for the glory of God? Am I tied up with the thought that I don’t want my family to experience hunger in the end? God knows more than we do. But the greatest consolation is “heaven is our reward!”

Love your neighbor…love your enemies and pray…(v.43-44) The fatal mistake committed by Israel is to interpret “neighbors” to only be their friends and those close to them. Another mistake is to “hate their enemies.” Jesus steered them to the right understanding of the Law- “TO LOVE.” Loving one’s enemy is against human nature because our tendency is to react and strike back. Jesus wants to take away that bitterness in us and preserve our heart to be like His. He wants us to recognize the side of compassion and mercy, His Spirit of love expressed in accepting the person for who he/she is. Prayer is of great help if we want a person to change into God’s image of love. We need to accompany them and bring them with us to heaven.

Be perfect as your Father is perfect. (V.48) Following the holy precepts of Jesus and His divine guidance on how we can live the fullness of life in accordance with His will, we will surely be transformed into his perfect image. Following Him consistently in our life will bring us the fulfillment we aspire for -HEAVEN. Perfection is fulfilling the commandment to love, for GOD IS LOVE.

On our roads leading into this coming season of Lent, let the holiness from deep within us burst forth!

About Fr. Joel and his reflections

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“Manifestation of God (in our Beloved Pope and in Us)” (Mt. 2:1-12), by Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM

Jesus is now the evident manifestation of the Father who wants to share His unconditional love and faithfulness with all of us.

This first Sunday of the year is designated by our Church as the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. This means the manifestation of our God to us. How did this revelation come about?

The letter of Paul to the Ephesians (3:2-3a, 5-6) tells us that God’s revelation come to us as a grace which can only be understood through faith, and in our belongingness to the body of Christ Himself. This means that all are called to a universal salvation, Jews and the Gentiles alike. This has been offered by God for all of us since we are all important in Him, and He wants us to be dignified all the more by experiencing his salvific grace.

The first reading from the prophet Isaiah 60:1-6 affirms in our memory about the coming of the Light. This Light will transform the world and will draw back the whole humanity to Yahweh, our source of life. It will help all peoples restore their identity back to God through their faith in Yahweh. Following this, we are all challenged to be the light to our world as well.

How can the salvific grace enrich us? How can we become a clear light for others? How can God be manifested in us?

Matthew brings us back to the memory of the great event that happened in Bethlehem years ago. This event opened the doors of our faith beyond the Jewish backyard. This was actually the purpose of the manifestation of God. This is part of His mission. He wanted us to realize that He is for all. He wanted us to know that He did not come for a limited community only. He wants us to experience the universality of His love. This love is manifested in our faithfulness to his will. And this results in unity, peace and respect for one another and for all.

How can the Wise Men become our guide in deepening our faith? What basically are the attitudes of these men? They are from Persia – experts in astrology with the capacity to interpret dreams. Why are they persistent in seeing the child? In other words, there is that sense of openness and sincerity in them. Why are they interested? It is because they are convinced that there is something in this baby. There is therefore that evident manifestation in their hearts coming from that enthusiasm and commitment burning deep inside them. We were told that the Star in the East guided them to Bethlehem through King Herod. Why is this so? Again, there must be a reminder for Herod.

One can notice that the divine will guided the search of the wise men for a purpose. The divine hand is present every inch of the way, orchestrating the event as it unfolds. And finally, seeing the child in a lowly, smelly manger, they brought in their gifts fit for royalty. Why do they have to accord Him with the gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh? The gifts tell of who the child is and was, and his destiny.

We were told that King Herod was so disturbed. He was deeply trouble especially when the Magi did not send him any word and went the other way. His unease created a vacuum of fear and jealousy that resulted in his plotting to kill the children who are a threat to his kingdom. The imperial kingly attitude of “power hunger” blossomed in his greedy heart. His dubious intent overpowered him, thus, the killing of the infants and children. But the Magi and the the non-Jews paid homage and worshipped Jesus. They paved the way in Matthew’s special narrative: “make disciples of all nations.” They lived their faith, and followed its demands beyond reproach.

The whole story of the visit of the wise sages revolves on Jesus, an affirmation of His being the true King of Israel. And that salvation of Israel and the world comes through Him. The end of the story is a shift of us being invited like the Jewish disciples to go out to the world and bring the good news of salvation. Jesus is now the evident manifestation of the Father who wants to share His unconditional love and faithfulness with all of us.

The Magi are reminding us that we too can bring the same gifts to Jesus. They are telling us that we have that capacity as well to find “the Christ” if we have the diligence and the sincerity to look for Him. The light has been provided to us already. We just have to follow the light and faithfully manifest Him as well in our day to day living.

As we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, let us pray to God that His gifts to us be manifested by the way we live, like our beloved Pope. Let us continue to manifest ourselves as FAITHFUL GIFTS for our family, for our community, for our country, for the Church, and for His Kingdom. Happy Feast Day of the Epiphany!

About Fr. Joel and his reflections

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“Solemnity of Christ The King: The King Who Saves”, By Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM

The underlying spirituality here is despite our wickedness and misgivings, the love of Christ will always be overflowing in us. But like the repentant thief in the gospel, we need to recognize in faith the kingship of Jesus and His holy operations and intents.

We celebrate this Sunday the Solemnity of Christ the King. The gospel during this celebration bears a royal motif narrative. It relates the political charges against Jesus that he puts influence against the Jewish nation, advocates a revolt against Rome through its tax imposition and personally claims himself as the “Messiah and King.” These claims are like provisions to a death certificate that he has signed.

Following through the words of the leaders (v.35), the soldiers (v.36- 37), and the unrepentant criminal (v. 39) as well as the inscription on Jesus’ cross (v.38), one can comprehend the very nature of the kingship of Jesus. And this kingship is being challenged by the very words of the criminal “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”(v.39) Such challenges call for Jesus to change his vocational identity. Such is a temptation to him to become a different sort of a King (a political one) very much distinct from the call that His Father wants him to do and live.

But it is good to dwell on how Jesus agonizes on the cross. He did not think of himself alone. He rather offered salvation to the repentant thief. We see here a God who suffered much, yet, still had that capacity to save others.

The current situation in the Visayas mirrors the many faces of the suffering Christ. Despite the difficulties they have encountered and the loss of loved ones, their faith remained strong. It helped them keep their sanity. It is nice seeing victims themselves sharing the relief goods in order for their families to survive. It is good to see the “rebuilding” spirit in them, helping their families build their “makeshift” or temporary shelter. It is so nice to see smiles on their faces despite the difficulties they have encountered during the typhoon. It feels good that despite the tribulations experienced, they remain committed to start once again; to give hope to others. We can see here the face of the suffering Christ, who “in his helplessness has that power to save!” He even asked the Father to forgive those who have crucified and tormented him, even promising the repentant thief that he will be with him in Paradise (v.43).

The continuation of this gospel text tells us that “when all the people who have gathered saw what had happened, they all returned home beating their breast.” Such is an indicator of a faith inside a person who realized that there is really something in Jesus. It is a clear and evident sign of a repentant spirit who recognized the compassionate and forgiving heart of Jesus. And for sure, their story will not stop from there.

“Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise (v.43)!” The verse is a clear indication of a forgiveness granted exceeding the prayers of the repentant thief. Jesus granted him what he asked for. The underlying spirituality here is despite our wickedness and misgivings, the love of Christ will always be overflowing in us. But like the repentant thief in the gospel, we need to recognize in faith the kingship of Jesus and His holy operations and intents. May the compassionate and forgiving heart of Jesus, the King reign in our hearts as well. Onwards to the Paradise assured us by Jesus. Amen.

As published on November 24, 2013, Parish Bulletin
About Fr. Joel and his reflections…

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“Faith: The Key to a Real Thanksgiving”, by Fr. Joel Sulse, OFM

St. Paul in his letter to Timothy tells us that God will never deny us, and He remains faithful no matter how unfaithful we are as human persons. Therefore, let it be an encouragement for all of us on how we can follow the spirit of God.

“Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God? Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you!” (v.18-19) I always remember this text because it reminds me of one of the advices I often received from my parents:” Be thankful to God for whatever may come along your way…” Thinking of he same advice as I was growing up, it dawned on me that it has a deeper meaning which I was not aware of. But finally making the same as my mantra, I discovered that the advice my parents told me is to “put my full trust and faith in God in everything I do and live.” I believe that the spirit hidden behind this is the faith that Jesus is reminding us of in our gospel text: “Stand up and go. Your faith has saved you!”

For years, I have kept the same in my heart. Even in moments of personal difficulties and trials, I always thank God for the same. It may seem abnormal but it makes me feel lighter anyway. And it helped me a lot actually. I always remember the words of Scott Peck about delaying gratification. I believe that it is the faith that we put into something that makes us become more patient in life. It helps us recognize the real value of self-giving, and the authentic value of Christian sacrifice.

Looking deeply into the spirit of the text, one can find that it is not only about good breeding. It is not only about sending “thank you notes” as one writer suffices. It is more than showing one’s gratitude for a favor given. True, the texts have very rich themes and they provide rich tones of conversion as well. Previous to this narrative is the reminder of Jesus to his disciples not to be a stumbling block to others, and to forgive repentant persons as many times as possible. When they asked Him to “increase their faith”, he advised them to learn from the mustard seed. The point here is, Jesus has offered to them as a model the Samaritan leper, a foreigner, one who doesn’t belong to the Jewish circle. The leper was singled out by Jesus for commendation because he went beyond his physical healing. He went back to Jesus because the leper knew very well that without Jesus’ divine power, he cannot be healed. The beautiful part in this scene however is the humanized divine spirit coming from Jesus himself which was given as a gift but affirmed to be coming from within the person- “YOUR FAITH HAS SAVED YOU!”

The dramatic healing that transpired reminds us of our capacity as human beings to become healers ourselves. When we deviate therefore from this scenario, we allow ourselves to be released or imprisoned from the possible divine nature that is in us. Again, we have to remind ourselves that we have been created in God’s image and likeness. And this scenario of the story between Jesus and the healed leper is a timeless challenge on how we can maintain a spiritual composure in accord to God’s divine will and nature. So let us be possessed therefore by this beautiful “spiritual keepsake” coming from Jesus himself.

The presence of the nine lepers in the gospel may not be an issue about the “Jewishness” of Jesus’ question having singled out the Samaritan leper. It is about the absence or lack of gratitude to God, and their failure to praise Him. Which camp do we belong to? We are reminded that we who received healing from God should follow the ways of the faithful leper. If we believe that we have been restored to the very image of Christ, we should therefore go back to God consistently, and keep the faith that He has gratuitously given us. Through this faith, we can open more possibilities in enveloping our world with that “deep gratitude” coming from God.

Our first reading tells us of the story of the gratitude Naaman gave back to God. He acknowledged Him as the one who healed him from his leprosy. Of course, he was very thankful to Elisha for the instructions given him on how he can be healed. He was thankful also to Elisha. But both of them gave back to God their complete gratitude. The responsibility on how we can give back our deep gratitude to God lies on the faith that He has given us. St. Paul in his letter to Timothy tells us that God will never deny us, and He remains faithful no matter how unfaithful we are as human persons. Therefore, let it be an encouragement for all of us on how we can follow the spirit of God. The alleluia verse summarized it: “In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

As we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Sunday, I was reminded by my experience with the Agtas in Aurora. One time we were hiking with them going to their village. On our way, we experienced hunger. We passed by a guava tree bowing to the grounds with ripe fruits. We were so excited to pick the fruits with our mouths juicing with excitement. Suddenly, the tribal leader told us: “Ay bago magpitas, tayo ay magpasalamat kay Makidyapet!” (Before we pick the fruits, let us offer our thanksgiving to Makidyapet (their God and our God too)!” We were all dumbfounded!

as published on October 13, 2013, Parish Bulletin
About Fr. Joel and his reflections

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