Wednesday, November 30, 2011

A Pilgrim's Pondering ( Christmas 2011 )


The pilgrim read the news today. “Oh boy,” he thought as he saw the headlines. Economic downturn and spiraling unemployment figures in waring blenderized calculations indicated for economists and politicians a prediction that the worst is yet to come. The words were clear for anyone to see, ”Christmas may not come this year.”

He just had to laugh. Though his friend had blown his mind out of fear of that black hole of despair, (“no faith-no courage”, some said,) it is not what the pilgrim understood in the good books he had read .The lights had changed but it really didn’t matter. Victory is not celebrated with the abundant accumulation of things. Contrary to current catechesis for communicants grace will not thrive in only those who have achieved the most points.

In the beginning the pilgrim misunderstood. The words were good but often became muddled and confusing by translators who had their own agenda to support. His Obe Wan once consoled him, “It is the birth of love that matters. It is the nourishing the love within and with others that is the point. There is nothing you do but you can learn how to be you in time - its easy. All you need is one thing.“

It is fine and the sun shines even if there are clouds overhead. Lonely winters too come to an end. The fool was said to have said, “You have to know the dark to see the light.” Well, whoever said it was right you know.

The three wise men, actually two males and a female who were therapists in disguise, appeared in a dream and told the pilgrim of how they readied themselves for their busy season.

The first one said, “ The waiting for that one joyful day and moment is too frustrating for some, especially when that day gets here and it is much like any other day“

The second added, ”The problem is that most humans bought into the promise that worldly success will set them free and bring them peace and happiness.”

The third concluded “The real gifts of grace aren’t under a tree in December.”

The Pilgrim knew he would carry the weight of what was read and heard. There was only one word and one-way ….to get back home – love.


[One of my favorite comic strips is “Peanuts.” It is a vehicle that helps me laugh and be reflective at the same time. In one particular strip that appeared around this time of year Charlie Brown asked Lucy why she was so happy. Lucy explained how it was "Christmas" and she explained further that this was the time of year to "spread joy, caring, compassion, giving and love." Charlie Brown wondered to Lucy, "Why do we just do these things at Christmastime and why can't we do those things all year round?" Lucy yelled at Charlie Brown "What are you some type of religious fanatic?!"]


                            Do they Know its Christmas? ( Feed The World)


"Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!"

                                                    " Peace and goodwill to all..."







amdg

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