A Christmas Memory
21st December 2011 - by Fr. John Collins SSC
The child of the fisherman was clutching her pink doll on Christmas day. We looked at each other across the estuary. The waters divided us. I was a stranger new to the country. Her look was one of loss and of being, forlorn.
In the torrent of the devastating floods in the Southern Philippines, many peoples have
lost their lives. But yet many Filipinos are rich in their capacity for childlike trust in God and his providence in difficult circumstances. Those who have lost loved ones and neighbours in the tragedy will be left devastated by their grief. How would I cope with
or survive such an event?
This Christmas,we are being invited to renew our trust, in the love and goodness of God, in spite of all the tragedy’s and personal losses in our lives,in spite of the misery and shame of our sinful condition, despite all the forms of darkness in our world.
This is a call to enter and re-enter with hope and confidence his Church, the church
founded on and by his Son, to experience Gods, grace and mercy in the sacraments, to receive him in the Eucharist, to welcome him with Joy. Lord may we remain in your grace, all the days of our lives and so be bearers of your light with confidence to others.
May the mother of your Son, during this joyful season, bring all of humanity into her maternal heart especially those most in need of our compassion. With her, let us say together “Come let us adore him”
