Christmas Reassures us: Hope Prevails over Fear
By Fr. Gildasio M. dos Santos, SDB

Each generation faces danger and threats. A recent statistic indicates that at least 111 million people died in wars during the 20th century. At the beginning of the 21st century, we have been frightened by the spread of terrorism. Despite this, we believe that good prevails over evil, and we see that great things have been accomplished in the name of freedom and respect for people and nations. We have in our communities and in our Church examples of believers who have shown us their faith in God and worked hard for a better world.

Bishop Povish, in 1994, began an exhaustive battle with colon cancer. During his illness he continued to minister to people, witnessing to his faith with serenity and trust in God till the end of his life. Reading the selection of 40 meditations taken from more than 50 years of Bishop Povish's writing, "The Peace I Leave With You," I thanked God for the example of faith and apostolate that he was able to give to so many people and priests in the Diocese of Lansing.

Mother Teresa of Calcuta, who was recently proclaimed Blessed by Pope John Paul II, is another great example of hope for a world in conflict. Surrounded by overwhelming poverty and despair of the poor people in Calcutta, she did not become indifferent. She overcame countless obstacles and found the financial support to provide shelter for the poorest among the poor, in addition to developing a religious community. She kept her eyes fixed on God, and was given strength and courage to do works of charity and organize others to continue her work in the Order of Charity.

On May 13, 1981, John Paul II was the victim of an assassination attempt when he was shot and severely wounded in St. Peter's Square by Ali Agcain. The Pope was operated on for 6 hours at Gemelli hospital and hospitalized for 22 days. On May 17, John Paul II recited the Angelus at Gemelli hospital, adding: "Pray for the brother who shot me, whom I have sincerely forgiven." John Paul II's attitude of forgiveness throughout his pontificate has shown that he keeps his eyes on the Savior who came as a child. He is inspired to promote peace among nations and to encourage the Church to remain faithful to its mission.

We, too, have the same call to work for a better world. By living our daily lives and doing the ordinary things with faith we are never controlled by the transitory events and situations we face in our journey. Christmas is a special season for us to remember that we are called to walk by faith and work continuously to build a better world for us and for the next generations.

May the Star of Bethlehem continue to shine for those who believe that Jesus is a true gift from God to us. The best gift we can give to our loved ones is the gift of believing in and focusing our lives on Him.

We are again reassured by this Advent and Christmas season that strong faith is the window that God opens for us to see the good beyond evil, the hope beyond despair, and the love beyond hatred.