Does it make sense to be at war?
The mystery of God coming to visit his people is at the threshold. What is your response? Most certainly, we have mixed feelings, but mostly, it appears that humanity is oblivious to the fact that God is coming to visit his people, and surely his coming will be rendered futile for that very reason. Bethlehem, the place where Jesus was born, is torn into pieces due to the war between Israel and Gaza. The pain and sorrow of those affected by this war are unimaginable and insurmountable. Similar was the cry during the time of Jesus when King Herod decided to slaughter all male children under the age of four, as we find in the gospel of Matthew 2:18. “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loudly lamenting. Rachel was weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted because they were no more.” A similar scenario is prevailing in eastern Europe due to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Besides, humanity has embraced moral relativism by approving abortions, gay marriages, and other such evils as the new normal. Will the ‘Prince of Peace ‘find a warm welcome among the humans, or will he be rejected as he was rejected before?
Sinful Humanity:
The world is groaning in pain and agony, and the cause is not heaven but men’s own making. Humans are filled with pride, hatred, jealousy, and selfishness, which is causing havoc both for humans and for the natural world. More than half of the world population is living below the poverty line; many are dying of hunger and malnutrition; and many others are living on the streets. Due to this imbalance, crime and robbery have escalated beyond imagination. The natural world is also reacting to human behaviour; we call it “global Warming.” In recent times, we have witnessed unprecedented storms, famine, drought, and other natural disasters. The coming of the Creator of everything is at the threshold. What have we done? How are we prepared to receive him? It is the same old story. God is rejected; He was rejected by Adam and Eve; He was rejected by His own chosen people; He is rejected by the secular culture of our times; and the very invocation of the season “Merry Christmas” is disliked. The secular culture prefers to call it “happy holidays or good governance day.”
Season of Advent:
The season of Advent began with a clarion call for repentance to prepare the way of the Lord and to make the coming of the Lord meaningful and joyful. Ironically, the season of Advent for most is also the season for shopping. “Christmas Father” is coming to town, and he is the “in thing” for this generation. The external glamour that is being displayed in shops and city centers are something to behold, but it is not for reflection and repentance; in other words, shop till you drop. Therefore, we have to be mindful of the season and the mystery we are to contemplate. Who is coming? It is the same God that the Israelites experienced in their history and came to believe was “one universal creator and sustainer of the universe” who liberated them. The God of the Old Testament was a God of surprises. Indeed, the mystery of “Incarnation” surprised all beyond any imagination. The all-powerful God, now becoming one like us, is a mystery that still baffles the human mind. Will man ever comprehend the mystery of the “Child Jesus” and give Him adoration in true faith and gratitude?
God’s promise:
The God of Israel, through the prophet Micah, makes the surprise announcement, “You, Bethlehem Ephrathah, the least of the clans of Judah, out of you will be born for me the one who is to rule over Israel; his origin goes back to the distant past, to the days of old.” Bethlehem continues to be the least in the eyes of the world. The present war is a clear indication of the rejection of what God wants to offer. Yet, the one true and compassionate God reaches out to men. Can you decipher the mystery of the eternal God? Only God can reveal Himself to men, and men, on his part, should respond to God’s invitation with humility and faith. Those who submit to the will of God in faith and obedience are bestowed with His protection and peace. They are able to appreciate God’s wonderful gift. The threshold of God unfolding his mystery is upon us. Will your surprise lead you to faith? Or will you continue to dwell in despondency?
We should respond like Mary:
The response of Mary, the mother of Jesus, to God is a catalyst that all should admire and emulate. She was surprised by the greetings of angel Gabriel, but she responded with faith, “I am the handmaid of the Lord; may it be done to me according to thy word.” She was overjoyed by God’s visit, and she responded with humility and faith. In fact, Mary ran to help her cousin Elizabeth when she learned about her condition. There was no room for pride and arrogance, but only sincere joy and gratitude. This attitude of Mary even surprised Elizabeth: “Of all women, you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?” God surprised us. Will you surprise those in need of your visit? How many are willing to lend a helping hand to the suffering humanity, especially in Gaza and Ukraine? Christmas is a time for giving rather than receiving. God gave everything to save humankind, even his own beloved Son. How would you like to celebrate Christmas? Will you give yourselves to God in faith and obedience? God comes, He comes, and He ever comes to share His love, mercy, and forgiveness. We are at the threshold of celebrating the mystery of “Incarnation”—“Immanuel, God with us.” Like Mary, let us welcome the one eternal God with true faith and obedience so that peace and joy may abound in our lives and in the world.
(The author is a Priest based at Pilar, Goa.)
