The Gift of Presence

It was 4 weeks to go before Christmas and I was not feeling very Christmassy.

For one thing, the word “mortality” had hit home hard.

In the past year, I had lost more relatives, close friends, and ex-colleagues—both young and old—than in all the previous years combined.

Whether that is natural or otherwise is still up for debate.

Add to it the current state of affairs all over the world.

Political, war, spiraling cost of living, shrinking wages, religion, abuse of human rights, and environmental damage, being the never-ending stories.

Amidst all this, comes Christmas.

Exactly how do I celebrate?

This had been my preoccupation for the past weeks.

A Few Things I Learnt

Christmas is supposed to be a season of Peace.

It’s the birth of the Prince of Peace himself.

Yet, what is evident is the opposite.

It’s not only the wars going on in different parts of the world, there are also ongoing conflicts in families, among relatives and friends, in church and those real personal tussles within oneself.

Where do I find this peace?

A church in the occupied West Bank has changed this year’s nativity scene, laying baby Jesus in the rubble, to show solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Yet, not one creche I have seen this year has replicated this locally.

Not even at my house.

All our cribs are spanking clean, bright, and immaculate-looking.

Bethlehem is just 74 kilometers from Gaza.

We sing O Little Town of Bethlehem while caroling yet, we avoid the injustice happening there and in other places in real time.

Pope Francis in America Magazine is quoted as saying, "The Nativity scene reminds us of what truly matters: God dwelling among us.

It highlights the importance of relationships, such as Jesus' family, Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds.”

People before things.

In the organizing of our Christmas events, at home, in church, and elsewhere, have I/we put things ahead of people?

Not Really A Silent Night

Simon & Garfunkel juxtaposed the original hymn with the 7 o’clock news thus making the coming of Christ real and present in the world.

Even though the song was part of their 1966 album “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme”, it still resonates today as to the realities of our time.

We cannot run away from reality.

Whatever it may be.

But, we need to find meaning within that reality, though.

The Gift of Presence

Recently, a priest approaching 60 was reassigned to a new parish. Jokingly, I referred to the appointment as a poisoned chalice.

In response, he wryly acknowledged, “I don’t have the inclination or energy for new projects. I want to focus on a Ministry of Presence. I just want to be available.”

Perhaps, that's all I need to do — to be present to all the realities in my life.

We are usually directed to the two comings of Christ.

The first was at Bethlehem 2000 years ago.

The second one is at the end of time, that no one knows when - even Jesus himself.

There is another one - the intermediate coming, that is not so popular, but equally crucial, albeit even more important.

Fr Gerard Theraviam espouses more on this train of thought in his article.

I attach an excerpt here:

“Yet the intermediate coming is a hidden one. God shows Himself to those He has chosen and we are saved.

We experience Him in the ordinary events of our daily lives.

Perhaps we are not always aware of His presence.

Yet there are kairos moments when He bursts into our existence in a special visible manner and we are touched deeply.

Mostly though, His is a quiet presence that needs us to be quiet to fully discern, appreciate and welcome!

No drama, no fanfare, just a subtle quiet presence that brings comfort and quiet joy.

Surely this experience of the Incarnation will help us to truly experience Christmas all year long.”

We're just “four days” away from Christmas now.

Amidst the chaos, I'm reminded to focus on baby Jesus in the crib, acknowledging that Christmas is an everyday experience, not just a fleeting moment confined to December 25th but woven into all the circumstances of my life.

A little less worrying about gifts and presents, and a little more Presence.

Till next time.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Jude

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