How many times it has happened to us that, all along our way, the obstacles we come across make our strengths weaker and our tiredness stronger. Even when the finish line is near, we begin to flag inwardly and we feel that we are further away to reach the finish line than we were when we started walking.

This is what happens to Joseph… he doesn’t understand, however, he tries to do it. It is then when the Angel explains to him that he is capable of listening, of understanding and accepting; this attitude puts him in tune with God and Mary again.

This is the way to meet the Child in diapers, some way or other, we start discovering something valuable, as it is said in Aparecida in the issue 135: “The answer to his call makes us follow the dynamics of the Good Samaritan who gives us the instructions to become neighbours, especially of those who suffer, and create a society without excluded members, and to follow Jesus’ methods (…)”

We have to be experts on discovering Jesus’ face in the excluded ones because we are experts on praying and on personal and community meetings. Because we can see deeply beyond the surface. And although our strengths flag, we have the Holy Spirit’s strength who drives us and encourages us to follow, not to stop in the middle of the way, to work without rest so that our World can discover the Messiah’s face

It’s not long to Christmas, let's support one another to meet us while singing around a crib.

Come on, let´s walk like disciples and missionaries!
 

P. Carlos Gómez, O de M      
World Chaplain                                 
 

[1] Aparecida Conclusive Document, 5th Latin America and Caribbean Episcopate General Conference carried out in Aparecida, Brazil -  May 2007

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