Fr. J. Pulinthanath, SDB —
There is something puzzling about the speed with which December always comes, bringing with it tad regret and surprise. Surprise that we have arrived at the end of another year so quickly and regret that we could not keep pace with the breakneck speed at which time galloped past us.
Despite our unfinished jobs, there is much to thank God for. Heaps of blessings we received as a people life, love and light, and as individuals too numerous or personal to mention. Then the thousand other blessings, most of them undeserved, that we take for granted as birthright. The Eucharistic Procession that was held a couple of weeks ago is still fresh in our minds – an extraordinary manifestation of faith and devotion.
The beautiful month of December that gently welcomes us into the festival of Christmas has a warmth and glow about it despite the cold and frozen atmosphere it thrusts us into. It’s a warmth and glow that is easily contagious and heart-warming. If we learn to handle well the commercial frenzy that surrounds the run-up to Christmas, it comes across to us as a time that brings out the best parts of our character and makeup. Generosity, for example. One hears of people voluntarily indulging in charitable deeds like free clothes distribution in the rural hamlets of the State, and rendering monetary assistance to poor students and other deserving sections of people.
In a state like Tripura, and a time when it is fearfully poised for an electoral battle, people have hardly time to think or talk about anything else. And yet, Christmas, one hopes, will arrive as a life-changing celebration, lighting up our tired, weary and wintry life. One must not forget to mention the first World Day of the Poor that we celebrated on the Sunday preceding the feast of Christ the King. It’s a new celebration that has the potential to grow into a much-awaited event in the future. Its nearness to Christmas makes us want to think of it as the feast that inaugurates the Spirit of Christmas. “Peace to men of goodwill.” The Christmas song of angels seems especially composed for times such as these.
Nothing, not even crucial Assembly elections like the one approaching, must keep us from entering wholeheartedly into the mystery of the Christmas and the joy it brings. Merry Christmas to you and Good Bye 2017!
This article is carried with permission from CBCI