Our celebration of the holiday season is once again becoming colorful and lively because we no longer remember the threats of the pandemic that changed our celebration in the past years. But even though most of us celebrate happily, we cannot deny that in other parts of the world and even in our country, there are situations that rob us of the joy and brightness of our celebrations. In the midst of wars in different parts of the world, we feel our need for the Savior more. A savior from conflicts that take the lives of innocents caught in the war.
From the fear caused by the explosion in Marawi while celebrating Holy Mass, we seek safety and security. With the fear of many jeepney drivers losing their livelihood, we also want to save them from impending suffering. The words expressed by the Prophet Isaiah are alive for our time today: “Tell the people of Jerusalem, that the Lord will come to save them!” (Isaiah 62:11) Jesus our savior is not only for Jerusalem, but for all the times that every person needs salvation.
Whenever we seek to be safe, may God be our true desire. It is unfortunate that salvation is thought by some to be achieved through the violence of arms. But the only weapon of the Child in the manger who is our true savior is only humility. Let’s also cultivate humility in our dealings with our fellow human beings because it is also necessary to oppose the wrong thoughts in our time.
I am Bishop Dennis Villarojo and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and may the arrival of our Savior among us all, remove all our fears and apprehensions!
