Christmas is All About Giving and Sharing! But Very Seldom Christians Practice It?
Seems like the Catholic Clergy “Don’t Practice What They Preach”, especially during the joyous Christmas season, where one of the real meaning of Christmas is to “Share and Give”. During the Christmas day mass at the Church in Mangaluru, the priest in his homily/sermon instructed the faithful to share and give to the needy or beggars, because that what Christmas is all about. Having said that by the priest, while heading out of the Church premises I saw the church security chasing away the beggars assembled near the church gate, for alms. When inquired, the security man said that he was instructed by the church management to do so, because the beggars were a menace. Okay then, how about the message delivered by the clergy during the Sermon. Does it mean to say that “We Don’t Practice What We Preach?” Oh well!
Mangaluru: Pope Francis during one of his Christmas message had said, “God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we love God and our brothers and sisters, we walk in the light. But if our heart is closed, if we are dominated by pride, deceit, self-seeking, then darkness falls within us, and around us. Whoever hates his brother — writes the Apostle John — is in the darkness; he walks in the darkness, and does not know the way to go because the darkness has blinded his eyes. Give and you shall receive, so give generously- Love and care for the needy, you will all be truly blessed “.
Also while recalling the words of Pope Francis, Bishop of Mangaluru Rev Fr Aloysius Paul D’souza had said, “A Church must be poor and serve the poor”, we should celebrate Christmas by extending a helping hand to all those who suffer due to poverty. The concern of every religion and every community is to eradicate poverty. We Christians, have a special mission and responsibility in this regard. Christians should join hands with people of other religions too to wipe out poverty prevailing in the society. Every person, especially the poor in the society deserves respect and dignity. Jesus had great love and concern for the poor, it is also mentioned in the Bible that the poor, sick and marginalized are very close to Jesus. Christmas celebration has meaning when we love the poor. Faithful should respect every person especially the poor and treat them equally and not discriminate them. Christmas celebration should inspire and motivate all to work for the poor “.
“We are the world. We are the children. We are the ones who make a brighter day. We’re all part of God’s great big family. And the truth is that love is all we need. So let’s start giving, for it’s true, we’ll make a better day. Just you and me.” – these thought-provoking lyrics by the late pop-star Michael Jackson are quite fitting during this time of the year.
“Christmas is all about giving. “I totally endorse the truth about this statement. Giving is an act of love. The joy of being able to bless and give someone you care, and to make them smile, is priceless. Although Christmas is a festivity for the entire family, children play an important role in it. Children do need love and caring during Christmas, but there are few kids who are less fortunate to enjoy the spirit of Christmas. And that’s when your participation will be strongly appreciated. There also many less fortunate families who need your help.
But how many of the Catholic faithful practice the habit of sharing and giving, especially during the Christmas season. Very seldom, and I noticed myself after the morning Christmas mass at a Church, just a couple of the church-goers gave alms to the beggars squat at the Church gate- while many just walked away ignoring these poor souls seeking alms on this caring and giving day. Christmas is a time to lend your helping hand to the needy and the destitute. I am not saying that we should give alms to every beggar that ask for money-because there are a few who pretend to be poor and then with the money they booze at the nearby wine shop. Give alms to the deserving people-who are old, sick or handicap. But if you don’t, then what’s the point in having all the sayings/preachings/quotes/messages of doing some “Sharing and Giving” during Christmas.
“He that is kindly in eye will be blessed, for he has given of his food to the lowly one.” – Proverbs 22:9. Jesus helped people who were poor, sick, and afflicted, some want to follow his example. They feel that the best time to do that may be Christmas, when charities often put forth extra effort to collect donations. During Christmas time, many people are preoccupied with shopping, entertaining, and visiting friends and family. All of this leaves them with little time, energy, or money to attend to the poor and needy, other than perhaps making a donation.
“Do not forget the doing of good and the sharing of things with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) Notice that besides “the sharing of things with others,” we must also remember “the doing of good,” or helpful acts. For example, wise parents train their children to help the elderly with everyday tasks; to encourage the sick by means of a card, a visit, or a phone call; and to take a personal interest in other children who are poor or suffer from a disability. As a result, children learn to be kind and generous year-round.
If you are thinking about doing something to help those less fortunate, Christmas season is the perfect time to open your heart and wallet to give back. The satisfaction that comes from making a difference in the lives of others cannot be overstated. Knowing that you have helped make someone else’s Christmas a little bit brighter is a special feeling, and one that will last with you even after the Christmas season are over. So if you are looking for a way to enhance your holiday experience, try giving back this year. You’ll be glad you did.
So this Christmas season be a little generous towards the poor and also continue your generosity towards them during the forthcoming year too. We all can make a difference in their lives. Let us give to the less fortunate families and children a feeling of hope, and make their Christmas cheerful. Better late than never-you still can be Santas by cheering up the less fortunate children and adults in the true Christmas spirit of love and giving, and show them that you care. Yes, we all can do it! Wish you all a Very Merry Christmas!
