On 26th December 2018, the Feast of St. Stephen, the Parish Priest of SVD Epiphany Parish, Burka, Fr. Michael Taneo, organized a Christmas gathering specifically for the Aged, the Sick and the physically challenged persons, as well as the new pastoral group he founded of the Motorcycle tax men. This is to make these members of our Parish also experience the joy of Christmas. Many times the priests visit them in their homes to bring the Eucharist. Today, however, they got a chance to come to Church assisted by their families. This helps the family members also to enjoy the moment with them.
“I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full”(John 10:10b). Jesus meant every word in this statement. He really want us to enjoy life here on earth and later with Him in his heavenly Kingdom. The incarnation of God was something that God thought well about before. This can be attested by the numerous ways that God tried to save His people from the slavery of sin and the perpetual damnation.
We are reliving the memories of so many years ago but also so vividly experiencing the peace and joy that the Child Jesus brings to us.
Christmas is not a celebration of Christians only just as it was not the case for the Jews at the time when Jesus was born. He has come for all, yes for all and sundry. Everyone who hears the great news of is coming is filled with tremendous joy. “But the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people” (Lk. 2:10)
In our society there are people who have heard about this child that is born every year but they have not really understood its meaning because those who know the meaning are always busy with the celebration and forget to bring to them this meaning.
As I passed by to greet them, one told me how her mother is so overjoyed to have come because it was very long time she was not able to come to the Church. We congratulate the Parish priest of Burka for this beautiful idea.
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
