by Leela Ramdeen, Chair of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice
I returned to T&T last weekend feeling a bit sad that so many of those whom I met while I was away, wished me “Happy Holidays” when we parted. However, my heart was lifted when, on my return, I opened an e-mail from Maureen Arneaud and accessed a YouTube link to the song: Where is the line to see Jesus written by Steve Haupt and sung by his daughter, Becky Kelley.
The inspiration for the song is worth noting. When Haupt’s grandson, Spencer Reijgers, was four years old, he was taken to a mall in the USA to see Santa. While standing in line, he tugged at his mother’s sweater and asked: “Where is the line to see Jesus?” When the song was released last December, it was an instant hit. Here are some of the lyrics:
“Where’s the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don’t we see Him more?
Where’s the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.”
As Becky said: “I think the message is one that resonates right now, when there is concern about keeping Jesus as part of the Christmas celebration.”
On Sunday afternoon I met a young man whose tattoo linked the above lyrics with “the reason for the season”. The first thing I noticed about Jessel Evans, a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes parish, was his glistening left arm. He had recently had a large tattoo inscribed on the upper part of his left arm and had rubbed Vaseline on that area.
From a distance I could see an image of Christ on the cross. I called out to him and asked him to explain the “story” behind the tattoo. The words read: “God places the heaviest burden on those who can take its weight.” Three images show: Jesus carrying the cross, Jesus hanging on the cross, and at the top there is an aerial view of Jesus on the cross with God’s arms cradling Him on the cross. A fourth image depicting Jesus falling while carrying the cross is to be added to complete the “story”.
It was a pleasure speaking to Jessel. My brief encounter with him and his tattoo placed Becky Kelley’s song in perspective: “Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.” What a gift! Let’s put Christ back into Christmas.
Last week the Catechetical team reminded us of the significance of the candles on our Advent wreaths. The fourth candle that will be lit on our Advent wreaths this Sunday reminds us of God’s gift of love. God so loved the world that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die so that we may have life and have it more abundantly.
Today’s Psalm (89:2-5, 27, 29) reminds us that God’s love “is built to last for ever” and his “faithfulness founded firmly in the heavens”. And as we read today’s Gospel, Luke 1:26-38, about the Annunciation, let us commit ourselves to be as humble and as willing as Mary to do God’s will; to be the living stones in our communities. Let us pray that God will give us the grace we need to reach out to those in need, particularly during this Advent period, and “do” justice. We can only do this if we open our hearts to receive God’s gift of His Son. Let us use this Advent season to renew and to deepen our relationship with God.
I end by asking you all to remember Archbishop Gilbert in your prayers as he prepares to undergo further surgery. We were truly blessed to have had him as our shepherd over the past 10 years. He has made an enormous difference during his ministry in T&T.
Pray also for Archbishop Harris as he begins his ministry. Let us make a commitment to work with him to build God’s Kingdom here on earth. May the Christ-child be his rock and his stronghold as he teaches, sanctifies and governs our archdiocese. We will need all hands on deck as we seek to promote the sanctity of life and the dignity of each person, to build the common good, to stand in solidarity with the poor and the vulnerable, and to challenge structures of injustice. Yes, building the civilisation of love is challenging, but we face the challenge as true witnesses of a living Christ.
