by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI
Today we observe the feast of the Epiphany. The word “Epiphany” means “manifestation” or “revelation.” At the heart of the story of the visit of the Magi is the manifestation of the incarnation to all of humanity. God so love the world that He sent His only son, Jesus Christ, to save us. “The Word was made flesh, he lived among us” (John 1:14). Jesus, the light of the World, was 100% human and 100% divine. He came to save, not just the people of Israel, but all of humanity. As Pope Benedict XVI said in Porta Fidei, “the door of faith is always open for us” – for all peoples at all times. We are all members of the same body of Christ.
Our Archdiocese’s first pastoral priority is The New Evangelisation. If we want others to embrace our faith, we must demonstrate by our words and actions that we truly follow the Light of Christ, the Redeemer, in our daily lives. One of the most profound statements in Archbishop Harris’ Pastoral Letter is: “Be careful of the way in which you live your life for your life is the only Gospel that many people will ever read.”
These words must strike a chord in each of our hearts. CCSJ has included them on our 2013 calendar with the heading: Let’s follow in the footsteps of the Lord during the Year of Faith”. The words in Matthew 5:13-16 remind us that each of us is called to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” We must read the signs of the times and SEE-JUDGE- ACT from a Catholic social justice perspective to let Christ’s light shine through us.
When I was a teacher in a CatholicSchool in London, I had responsibility for producing our annual Christmas play. The visit of the Magi was an integral part of our plays. The Magi are also referred to as kings, wise men or astrologers. Recently, I spoke to one of my great-nephews, N’Kai, on Skype. He told me that he acted the part of Balthazar, one of the three kings, in his Christmas play at his school in London. Balthazar brought a gift of myrrh for baby Jesus.
Two of his friends acted the parts of the other two kings – Gaspar and Melchior who brought gifts of frankincense and gold respectively. N’Kai knew the significance of the gift of myrrh. His teacher had told the class that myrrh was a perfume that was put on dead bodies to make them smell nice and that this was a sign that Jesus would suffer and die for us.
These three kings who came from the East did not know each other before following the star to Bethlehem. At a time when there is so much strife in the world, let us reflect on the way in which they made this long journey of faith in peace and harmony with each other. They were focused; they had a common purpose. Oh for the day when our leaders can work together in such a manner to promote the sanctity of life and the dignity of each person, and to build the common good!
I had an opportunity to appear on C TV (Channel 6) on Christmas Eve with Rhonda Maingot of Living Water Community, to share with Paul Richards our view of the true meaning of Christmas. Inter alia, I said that I believe that the Westminster model of government is not working for us. Our “winner takes all” system is not taking our democracy forward in a way that is utilising the talents of our nation effectively. Political polarity prevents us from working together for the good of all our people.
We need to work together to find another formula that will meet our needs in today’s rapidly changing world. As we begin another year, I pray that our people will allow the love of God to light our way to build an inclusive system of government.
I remind members of the Catholic business community in the Southern Vicariate to sign up for the Saturday, January 19 workshop at the Bishop Mendes auditorium, Harris Promenade. The workshop from 9.00 a.m. – 12.15 p.m. (followed by lunch) will discuss principles and issues arising out of Cardinal Peter Turkson’s Guidelines: Vocation of the Business Leader: A Reflection. Speakers include: Msgr Christian Pereira, Frs Clyde Harvey, Matthew D’Hereaux and me. To register please send an email to olphworkshop@gmail.com or telephone Helen on: 652-2269 or 313-0109.
