THE DOOM and gloom of the economic recession has spread its dark shadows over the whole planet and, though the worst affected are the poorest and weakest, even those better off are deeply concerned.
This crisis, however, as in any epoch that signals the end of one system and the beginning of another, can also be a golden opportunity to embark on a new path in life.
First of all, the current difficulties can open our eyes to a truth that is becoming increasingly apparent to everyone: the crisis is not merely an economic one, but above all it is a crisis of values. In our advanced societies, where all the traditional, fundamental values (like family, health, employment, freedom, justice and respect for life and the human person) are being relativised under the impact of technology and materialism, we are at risk of forgetting the real meaning of life. What is the meaning of hope when life seems to be a plot written by someone who wants to see how much adversity we can overcome? Can true love still be found in today’s world?
Secondly, the recession has had a strong impact on consumerism which has also been driven into a corner by the increasing realisation that it is utterly incapable of satisfying humanity’s real needs. American politician Adlai E. Stevenson (1900-1965) once wisely stated, “There is a spiritual hunger in the world today – and it cannot be satisfied by better cars or longer credit-terms.”
In other words, even if we multiplied all our artificial and petty desires a thousand-fold and actually succeeded in satisfying them all, we would still have failed to smother our innate desire to commune with God.
In this disturbing scenario, however, it is Christmas that brings us the only real message of hope: The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. Yes, God has taken pity on our inner poverty and has come to share our human condition without being ashamed of calling us His sisters and brothers because He loves us.
Pope Benedict XVI, in last year’s Christmas message, said, “Those who love desire to share with the beloved, they want to be with the beloved, and Sacred Scripture shows us the great love story of God for his people which culminated in Jesus Christ”.
The birth of Jesus this Christmas heralds once again the prospect of a new and better world. It is indeed possible for us to create a society where human beings are loved rather than judged, where compassion and understanding have precedence over the cold logic of profit, where peace between peoples is not an option but a must, an impelling necessity based on a heartfelt conviction that our Merciful God, the Prince of Peace, abhors wars and conflicts.
If two thousand years ago in Bethlehem it was the angels in heaven who sang the hymn of peace to all men of goodwill, it is now high time for us, human beings on planet earth, to praise God through deeds of love and reciprocal respect.
Mother Teresa used to say, “It is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand. It is Christmas every time you let God love through you”.
Dear readers, may your festive season be filled with that warmth and joy that can only come from acts of real kindness and goodness. Merry Christmas!
Updated on October 06 2016