Holy Mass at the Cathedral of Most Holy Rosary, Kolkata
Dear brothers and sisters,
Long before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah (9:1–6) painted a strikingly vivid picture of his world: the heavy yoke that burdened the people, the rod of the oppressor, the thunder of marching soldiers, garments soaked in blood. In a single expression, it was a land wrapped in darkness. These images are not hard for us to grasp; they speak of fear, suffering, violence, and oppression – realities that humanity has experienced in every age.
Yet Isaiah does not allow darkness to have the final word. With prophetic hope, he proclaims: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” God does not abandon His people. When darkness seems overwhelming, God Himself kindles a light–and that light becomes the source of great joy.
Who is this light? Isaiah gives a surprising answer: a child. Small and fragile, yet no ordinary child. He is called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His dominion will never end, and His peace will know no limit.
As we celebrate Christmas today, we cannot help but notice the joy all around us. The streets are brightly lit, homes are decorated, shops are full of people, and there is a festive spirit everywhere. Here in the city of Kolkata, Christmas truly looks like a feast for everyone–not only for Christians. People of all religions and backgrounds share in the celebration. There is music in the air, smiles on faces, and greetings exchanged freely. This itself is something beautiful, because it shows a deep human longing for joy, light, and togetherness.
But this also invites us to ask an important question: What is Christmas for those who do not follow Christ, yet celebrate His birthday? And even more importantly, what is Christmas for us who do believe in Him?
If Christmas is reduced only to singing carols, eating good food, wishing one another, and exchanging cakes and gifts, then the joy remains momentary. It lasts for a day or two, and then life goes on as before. Such joy does not truly touch or transform our lives.
The Gospel of Saint Luke (2:1–14) helps us go deeper. The shepherds were out in the fields, keeping watch during the night. They were poor, ordinary people, yet they were awake, attentive, and ready to listen. When the angel announced the birth of the Savior, their joy did not end with amazement. They went in haste, they encountered the Child, and they returned changed–glorifying and praising God.
Welcoming the light, therefore, means more than celebrating a festival. It begins with listening to the Word of God and continues by putting the teaching of Jesus into practice in our daily lives. A Christian is not called to imitate the world blindly, nor to live by excuses, but to be light in the world.
Saint Paul, in his letter to Titus (2:11–14), reminds us that the grace of God trains us to renounce selfish and worldly desires and to live lives marked by self-control, justice, and devotion. Why does Paul insist on this? Because this world is not our final destination. We are made for something greater. We are destined for eternal life. The Child of Bethlehem was born to show us the way.
There are people–often unnoticed–who truly live Christmas every day. They are those who do good quietly: those who care for the sick, feed the hungry, forgive injuries, share what little they have, speak words of kindness, and stand with those who feel forgotten. Their joy does not depend on decorations or celebrations. Their joy comes from love given and received. This is the joy that lasts.
Some years ago, I visited an elderly woman who was seriously ill. Her room was small, dimly lit, and silent. When I asked her how she was feeling, she smiled gently and said, “Father, my body is weak, but inside I have a great light.” When I asked her what she meant, she replied, “Every night, when pain increases and fear tries to take over, I think of the Child lying in the manger. If God chose to enter the world in such weakness, then I no longer need to be afraid. He is with me – even in the darkness.”
The room did not change. Her illness did not disappear. Yet there was a light that no darkness could overcome.
Dear brothers and sisters, Christmas does not promise us a life free from suffering, illness, or hardship. But it offers us something far more precious: the assurance that we are never alone in the darkness. When trials come, when sorrow or disappointment enters our lives, let us not lose heart. Let us turn toward the light and allow Christ to shine upon our darkest moments.
Today, the Lord places before us a simple yet decisive choice: to remain in a joy that is passing, or to embrace a joy that transforms; to remain in darkness, or to walk in the light; to merely celebrate Christmas, or to live Christmas.
May we ask for the grace to be like the shepherds – watchful and attentive; like Mary–able to treasure the light in our hearts; and like Christ, the Light of the world–bringing hope, peace, and lasting joy wherever there is darkness.
Amen.
***
No comments:
Post a Comment