Once again Christmas is upon us with all the rush and hassle. Sadly, the past year war and environmental disasters have dominated the world stage. The highlight was the release of the film “The Letter,” an invitation by Pope Francis to all of us irrespective of our beliefs to respond to the care of the earth.
However, with the celebration of birth of Jesus we look forward, in hope to a bright new year.
Much of the past year the Church focused upon the Synodal consultation and the resultant desire to expand the tent to include everyone. Pope Francis words in 2021 resonate with everyone, “Go to the peripheries, which are often filled with solitude, sadness, inner wounds, and loss of a zest for life.”
With our words and actions, we pour the oil of consolation and healing on wounded hearts and give hope ensuring that we share the message of love in our communities.
In our recent XCOM meeting Fr Geoffrey Mwanda reminded us about our dual ministry as Men and as Fathers, father in the home, father in the workplace, father in the community. Catholic men’s actions bring comfort to those troubled and to the poor through our care. Fr Geoffrey also reminded us that in taking responsibility, we become fathers lifting up the downtrodden who yearn for that helping hand of the father.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ let the words of the Angel of the Lord to the shepherds at the Nativity strengthen our ministries, “Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you.” (Luke 2:9-12)
Amazingly the shepherds who, at that time were regarded as social outcasts and despised by everyone were chosen to receive message. The Scribes and Pharisees were not the first bearers of the Saviour’s message.
May we, like the shepherds on that Nativity evening, be the bearers of good news. Be shepherds going out with the smell of the sheep to spread that joy to the peripheries bringing the message of love of our Creator to everyone.
I wish you, your families, and your organisations a peaceful Christmas and every blessing in 2023.
Seamus Mc Donald KSG
President