We can continue to build on the things that matter

Dear Editor,
First, my sincerest wishes to all for a blessed Christmas, a Christmas deeply rooted in the mystery of the incarnation, grasping and celebrating the wonder and awe and affirmation of God taking on our human form.
During the course of this year, now coming to its end, we all have been part of and heard many stories of isolation, lockdown, confinement and quarantine. The COVID-19 pandemic has threatened every life on the planet, many have had to battle with infections and too many have died. COVID-19 is still with us and one of my Christmas wishes to all is that you remain vigilant, keeping up all the measures of distance, isolation, sanitising and wearing of masks.
Today, as at the time of the birth of Jesus, we also have to grapple with the “viruses” that are present in the form of violence, corruption, prejudice, exploitation; “viruses” that have their own means of transmission and infection, can work their way into our “spiritual DNA” and become such a threat to our well-being. Under the names of “fake news”, “conspiracy theories”, “betrayal”, they erode trust and compassion and wreak havoc in the hearts and minds and relationships of God’s children. And to use the well-known expression “they go viral”. St Paul in his letter to the Ephesians speaks about putting on, wearing, covering ourselves with truth, uprightness, eagerness to spread the Gospel, faith and salvation (Eph 6:14-17); protective and antidotal measures in the face of the threats that are very present in society. Similarly, in his letter to the Colossians, he exalts the Christian to be “clothed in heartfelt compassion, in generosity and humility, gentleness and patience … Over all these clothes put on love” (Col 3:12-14). The Christian’s disposition is not only to safeguard himself/herself but to be a presence, a living sign and an influence that would give increase to life-giving ways of being.
If only there were viruses that would spread cheer and goodwill and infect many people. At Christmas, we do see some signs, more than other times of the year, of the noble side of our humanity coming to the fore in gestures of charity, kindness, looking after the needy, expressions of family, tidying and cleaning our homes and embellishing them with lights and decorations. But Jesus’ coming to us was intended to be viral and infectious and to reach every heart. In his closing words at the Ascension, he commissioned his disciples to “Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Gospel to all creation” (Mk 16:15). He intended that we would become super spreaders, not merely engaging in ways to keep safe but reaching out, even at risk, to ensure that every person would celebrate the fullness of life through the Gospel, living in right relationship with God, with one another, with the whole of creation and living lives filled with compassion and forgiveness, trust and encouragement, in service and collaboration.
The year (and Christmas of) 2020 has been marked by the event of COVID-19. It will be remembered as were other years of global events marred by war or disease or failing economies. During the time of observing measures and living within a number of restrictions and limitations, one of the effects has been reflection; paying attention to and discerning the meaning of our lives in the narrowing of our accustomed freedom and function. In some instances, valuable and sometimes forgotten aspects of our being have surfaced and we look at ways of giving these more prominence on the way forward. Sometimes difficult issues about ourselves needing difficult decisions have come into view. Another wish to you in the spirit of Christmas is for a new time during which we can continue to build on the things that matter. The Magi after encountering the child Jesus “returned to their own country by a different way” (Mt2:12).

Sincerely,
Roman Catholic Bishop Francis Alleyne