Does God Still Greet Us?

KOMPAS/P RADITYA MAHENDRA YASA

Officers are among the statues of saints that are cleaned to be installed ahead of the Christmas celebration at the Santa Theresia Church, Semarang City, Central Java, Wednesday (23/12/2020).

As we go through life, it is our soul\'s struggle that determines the goal, not its calmness or unquietness. —Ella W. Wilcox, American writer and poet.

According to Ella Wilcox, inner struggle is felt by many. Currently, everyone, no matter the job they hold, is experiencing inner struggle.

The pandemic has taught people that struggle is not easily avoided. This struggle has manifested because humans believe they determine everything when that is not the case.

Many people are optimistic that the power of reason will answer the phenomena of events. However, on the contrary, humans are struggling because of their thoughts. The inability to manage tension ultimately leads people away from their purpose in life.

Also read: Celebrating Christmas with Simplicity

The dynamic of this inner struggle opens the awareness that humans are actually fragile. Then, what should the attitude of this fragile human be in order to be strong in living their life?

Born in an unworthy place, in a darkness and silence that humans would never think of.

The birth of Jesus was an event in which God took the side of humans who acknowledged that they were vulnerable. Jesus was born in a sheepfold on a cold, quiet and lonely night. This condition emphasizes that the Creator of the universe is real beyond human expectations. Born in an unworthy place, in a darkness and silence that humans would never think of.

The pandemic has exposed how fragile life is and how interconnected it is.

The joint Christmas message of KWI and PGI (Indonesian Union of Churches) in 2020 reminds the faithful to be aware of their vulnerability and at the same time be grateful that even though humans are fragile, they are loved by God. Aware of vulnerability because it turns out that we are vulnerable to the pandemic virus. Fragile because we easily complain and easily give up when faced with the severity of suffering. Fragile because we are often trapped to blaspheme and hate each other in the name of religion. Fragile because we easily ask for fresh environment without being willing to care for and protect it.

Kompas/Hendra A Setyawan

Officers spray disinfectant at the Church of Santo Barnabas, Pondok Cabe, South Tangerang, Banten, on Tuesday (22/12/2020). Towards Christmas, the churches are tidy up and decorated with various kinds of decorations.

This awareness of fragility actually becomes the soul for the birth of a new order. Birth that opens the heart of every human being to find a way to act well and rightly. As the Holy Father Francis also emphasized, “Guide us to understand this trial period as an option. This is not Your judgment day, but our own judgment to choose what is good and right. Time to choose what is important and what is not, time to choose what is necessary and what is not necessary” (Urbi et Orbi, 2020).

Christmas in pandemic times wants to remind you that peace and new hope have been, are and will live on earth. New hope is born in various dimensions of life and invites us to come and live in it. Like the shepherds who live in the soul stable, having dialog with the source of life.

New Hope

The inner encounter with God who is born into life will bring about new hope and restoration. Will we stay silent and pessimistic this time? No, we are told to be active and creative in welcoming the Light that illuminates the journey of change. Like a herd of shepherds who move in uncertainty, but keep moving creatively until finally meeting the Light they long for.

In the sacrifices of medical personnel who are fighting to save Covid-19 patients. Also in children who are victims of divorce and domestic violence.

Even now, the darkness will soon turn into light, leading everyone to hope. That hope is no longer in the sheepfold of Bethlehem, but is evident in the soul of victims who are often pitted against each other. It exists in the victims of bullying, victims of abuse and victims of injustice. It exists in teachers in remote areas whose salaries have been slashed. In the sacrifices of medical personnel who are fighting to save Covid-19 patients. Also in children who are victims of divorce and domestic violence.

Then, how do we welcome and meet the "Immanuel"? Immanuel, God with us, becomes the mantra as well as the power of faith to create a peaceful nation. Anyone who is in Indonesia\'s beloved land is invited to unite in diversity. Like a herd of shepherds, this nation needs to be in harmony in moving to overcome darkness, selfishness, group interests, short-sightedness and superficiality in order to find light.

Also read: Solo to Quarantine Returnees Starting 20 December

Light that ignites the spirit to respect and honor one another. By walking together while doing good, we too will meet and find His goodness. So, Christmas celebration is, in fact, a celebration of gathering to tell stories about each other’s life. Tell stories in language of passion, the language of rahmat lil alamin which gives birth to a culture of peace.

KOMISI PENDIDIKAN KWI

Executive Secretary of the KWI Education Commission TB Gandhi Hartono SJ, while giving training on character processing for educators in Nabire, Papua.

Immanuel\'s birth was a sign that the birth of a new life order had come. The signs of a new presence and hope are increasingly felt if we are willing to work together to become agents of joy. In the midst of a pandemic situation that we do not when it will end, we are still invited to fight for good through concrete actions.

By developing this attitude of virtue, all struggles and challenges will turn into joy together. God continues to greet and be with us, Immanuel.

TB Gandhi Hartono SJ, Executive Secretary of Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI) Education Committee.