A Christmas like no other

We isolate now, so that when we gather again, no one is missing.”

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The quote above did not make much sense before COVID-19, but it does make sense now. There are a lot of things we don’t understand in the beginning, but eventually, in time, things unfold and become understandable and meaningful.

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In today’s gospel (Lk. 1, 26-38), we hear how Mary could not understand what was announced to her by the Angel Gabriel. It did not make sense at all! But she listened, trusted, and obeyed. More than ever, may we learn to be docile and patient like Mary, in these trying times.

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Someone said that when we go through any kind of hardship or trial, we must focus not so much on what we are going through, as on where we are going to. In the same way, we must learn that in order to move on, we must stop asking “Why, Lord?” and instead start asking “Where to, Lord?”

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Today, five days before Christmas, we light the candle of love, the fourth candle of the Advent wreath. Peace, hope, and joy should lead us to love. The ways of love are difficult to understand, and the ways of love are difficult. But remember, difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations, so let us love on.

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“For God so loved the world He sent His only begotten Son…” That’s what Christmas is all about.

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“Mary said, ‘Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to Your word.’” That’s what responding to God’s love is all about.

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Christmas 2020 is a Christmas like no other. Because of the pandemic, Christmas this year is anemic, externally, but hopefully, vibrant and dynamic, internally, in the hearts of each one of us. ——————-

Finally, it is making sense: Remove M-A-S (Merrymaking-Affluence-Socializing) from the word “CHRISTMAS” and the word C-H-R-I-S-T finally comes forth. The pandemic has made us go back to C-hrist, H-ome, R-esponsibilities, I-nvolvement, S-ilence, T-ransformation. Yes, with God something good always comes out of seemingly difficult, and even impossible situations. Humbled, cleansed, and purified, may we come out of this pandemic situation better persons, in all aspects. Amen!

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Back to basics. Back to essentials. Back to what is really important now, and to what really matters in the end. These past nine months in this pandemic year should have taught us by now that life is short, we are all just passing by, and we carry nothing with us when we leave this world except the love in our hearts, and the faith that we have shared. Please continue to make a list of your personal realizations and lessons learned from this pandemic situation. Choose what you will bring along from 2020 for your 2021 journey.

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Inviting you to join us in our 10 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass which will be livestreamed on Dec. 24 on YouTube and Facebook via Divine Word Media and PasswordTV. Let’s welcome the Lord with peace, hope, joy, and love.

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By the way, our 10 a.m. livestreamed Sunday Mass will now be aired at 5:30 p.m. via Cignal TV channel One PH.

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Sharing with you the lyrics of “Pasko Salamat,” a song I wrote some years ago. It is actually a prayer of gratitude and hope. “Salamat po, Panginoon, at narating muli ang Pasko. Isang taon ang nagdaan, buhay pa ri’t nag-aalay sa Inyo. Salamat po, Panginoon, sa mga biyaya Niyo. Salamat din Panginoon sa mga pagsubok ko. Salamat din sa inyo nakasama sa buhay ko. Wala akong maibibigay kundi and pag-ibig ko. At sana’y magkasama pa rin tayo sa susunod na Pasko, at sa marami pang Pasko.”Mary Christmas, everyone!

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A moment with the Lord: Lord, Christmas is different this year, but Your love remains the same as ever, forever. Amen.

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jorbos@inquirer.com.ph