THROUGH UNTRUE Fr. Rolando V. De La Rosa OP The late Fr. Greg Doherty, O.P. had served tirelessly as a dedicated Dominican missionary in the far-flung island of Calayan for many years. He had done so much to uplift the lives of the inhabitants while keeping them solidly rooted in their faith. An excellent theologian, he had written many letters that contain invaluable insights about missionary work. Here is one account: “Soon after I arrived in Calayan 12 years ago, I was struck by the fact that many of the islanders skillfully played musical instruments. Probably this came naturally from living in a very remote place without access to radio, TV, internet, or movies. They have learned to make their own music. “They played various instruments that they themselves made, like the guitar, flute, violin, drums, and accordion. Their instruments were rough and didn’t look elegant but with a pleasing sound and character. I invited those who played the instruments to accompany the church choir during the celebration of the Eucharist. “There was one instrument, though, that I most wanted: the harp. I went to Manila and to other provinces to look for one that could meet my requirements — all to no avail. “One day, I was visiting a distant settlement in Calayan, and after celebrating the Mass, one of the inhabitants invited me to eat in their house. As I entered, I heard what sounded incredibly like a harp. And a harp it was indeed! A woman was playing it, while a young child sang. ‘Where did you get that?’ I asked, ‘I’ve been looking all over for a harp that sounds just like that.’ She pointed to an old man: ‘From Thomas, my husband... he makes harps.’ Needless to say, I lost no time in asking Thomas to make one for me. “Today, the harp that Thomas made is still with me. When I see it, it reminds me of a lot of things. “First, how close to us are those things that we often seek in distant places. Those that fulfill our deepest longing are often right there in front of us, but somehow we miss them. I have been looking for a harp in Manila, in the provinces, and all the while a harp was available right on the island of Calayan where I was. I just didn’t ask. “Then again, when I look at the materials used to make the harp, I see how ordinary they are: just some pieces of wood that came from the forest, some glue, and a few nails to make the frame and resonance chamber. For the strings, Thomas used a nylon fishing line. But in his hands, those ordinary things were fashioned into an instrument capable of producing music of great beauty. Fr. Doherty's story tells us that in many ways, Christmas is like that. It is the season for celebrating the God who is already with us — the Emmanuel. He is close at hand, nearer to us than we can ever imagine. Like the harp of Thomas, we can find God amid the people and circumstances of our daily lives, and amid the bustle, dust, and grime of our surroundings. Where we are can be our personal Bethlehem.