2000
years ago Jesus came into our world as the Prince
of Peace. But today when we look around terror
stalks our streets on all sides.
We
look fearfully at our neighbour in the train,
at the bag that lies on the luggage rack, not
sure whether a simple journey will be normal
or end in horror.
We
watch from the windows every morning as children
leave for school or college, "Please God"
we pray, "take care of them!" And
He does.
Will
everyone pray such a prayer to a God above,
wherever he wants to, from mosque, church, a
temple to ask for blanket security, calm and
peace over our country.
Let
us pray that :
-- we who travel in fear, will shed such dread,
knowing that a greater power than terror, will
guard and care for you and me.
-- that bombs planted will not go off, but will
remain mute, unvocal yet loudly vocal in showing
divine security.
-- that protection forces like the police and
military, will be ever alert and nab culprits
from where they lie waiting to strike, that
for once the colour of gold will not entice
our security agencies from doing their duty.
-Fr.Aloysius, s.j.
The
town was in a festive mood. Decorations, lights,
music, carol singing, people strolling in the
streets. Trendy shops were loaded with presentation
items, crowds flocking to buy expensive luxury
gifts for friends and dear ones.
Homes
were lit, sweets prepared, clothes displayed,
Christmas cards strung together on the walls.
The atmosphere was saturated with merriment
and song. Little kids waiting for Sant Claus
to arrive.
By
evening time revelers filled the streets, music
and dancing was going on full swing in five
star hotels and costly restaurants.
Then,
Jesus got a queer idea. He said, "Let me
go back to the earth and see what that din and
merry making is all about?"
As
he stepped in one of the posh areas of the city,
he asked some youngsters who were rushing to
a Christmas ball. "What's going on here
today in the city? What's all this rush and
clatter?"
The
youngsters replied "You are a Christian
and you do not know it? Tonight is Christmas!!"
Jesus
asked again "Christmas? What's that? Please
tell me."
Hurriedly
they said, "On Christmas night Jesus was
born! Yes born in a stable and placed on a manger
because his parents were too poor to spend one
night in a cheap hotel; nay not even in an inn."
Then
without a second thought, our youngsters rushed
to a five star hotel for a Christmas ball where
they had to pay Rs.4000/- per couple.
On
the way to the posh hotel, our youngsters could
see destitute children sleeping on the hard
pavements, hungry and shivering with cold.
They
were greatly surprised, not to say shocked at
seeing in the faces of those children clearly
reflected the countenance of the man who asked
them: "Christmas? What's that? Please tell
me."
-
Fr. P. Ribe, s.j.
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