Catholic Commission for Social Justice
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI
I pray that your journey through Advent was prayerful. As we waited in joyful expectation of the birth of the Christ child, I am certain that, like me, you could not fail to be moved once again by the incredible gift God gave us by sending His only Son to save us; to bring us out of the darkness into the light of His love. “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14).
In two days’ time, on December 25, we will welcome the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Take time to prepare yourself for the greatest gift that God gave to humankind—His only Son. And while you decorate your Christmas tree at home, don’t forget to include a crèche—to remind yourself/family/visitors of the reason for the season.
Have you seen images of the amazing 52-foot-wide Nativity scene— a bas-relief sculpture—made entirely of 720 tons of golden sand from the Dolomites by Rich Varano and three other sculptors on display in St Peter’s Square?
As we celebrate the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord this Sunday, let us reflect on how well we followed Christ last year, and resolve to follow Him more closely this year.
According to the Gospel ((Mt 2:1–12), the Magi came from the east, followed the star and found the Son of God, Jesus. As St Ambrose said: “…wherever Christ is, the star is too, for he is ‘the bright morning star’. With his light, then, he points to himself.”
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ, & Director, CREDI
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation (Lk 1:26–38). Tomorrow we will celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus. Angel Gabriel’s initial greeting to Mary left her “deeply disturbed”. She did not understand what he meant when he said: “Rejoice, highly favoured! The Lord is with you“. He continued: “Mary, do not be afraid, you have won God’s favour…. Listen! you are to conceive and bear a son and you must name him Jesus….and his reign will have no end.” He later tells her that her old cousin, Elizabeth, whom people called “barren”, was six months pregnant.
Mary’s faith was strong. She believed the angel’s words that “nothing is impossible to God”. God has a plan for all of us. Are we as open to His plan as Mary was? Her humble, unreserved “Yes”; her fiat to His plan is reflected in her words to the angel: “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let what you have said be done to me.” She submits/surrenders herself to His will totally and without further ado because of her belief. How strong is our faith?
The Catholic Commission for Social Justice (CCSJ) urges citizens to be Peacebuilders in our land/world this Christmas. During this season of Advent, as we await the birth of the Christ-child, the Prince of Peace, let us remember that we must not be armchair Christians waiting passively.
This is a time of active hope; hope that the living Christ, who lives in and among us, will strengthen us to save our beloved country and our world which are scarred by violence and discord; hope that God will fill our hearts with His mercy, love, compassion and forgiveness so that we will live as honest/upright citizens.