LOOK
On the occasion of the festivities of the Virgin of Guadalupe, last December 12, millions of Mexicans expressed, some to the point of heroism, their love for the Guadalupe woman. In most homes its image is not missing. Many carry it on a holy card, or as a scapular. However, the contrast is that, in this country that is considered mostly Catholic, or believers of some Christian denomination, crimes are increasing everywhere, especially extortion, without the authority being able to achieve a significant decrease. Why this contradiction? Our faith guides us to firmly believe in God, strive to put into practice his commandments, particularly love of neighbor, but armed groups do not give God the place he deserves, and they dedicate themselves to harming everyone. . Most of these criminals consider themselves believers, but their works contradict them.
On the occasion of Christmas, the vast majority celebrate this holiday; However, many do not take Jesus into account. There is no shortage of those who make these days consist of excesses of all kinds, especially intoxicating drinks. And if the Birth of Jesus brings a message of Glory to God in heaven and peace on earth to those who the Lord loves!, in practice glory is not given to God, nor do we live in a serene and calm peace.
We are in the middle of electoral campaigns. Most of the candidates are Catholic, or at least Christian; However, his religious faith almost does not appear. In their propaganda, what is most abundant are arguments for people to vote for them, disqualifications towards their adversaries, pacts with different people or groups, in some cases even with criminals. They hardly go to Mass and Sunday worship, because their campaigns have them obsessed. Are they really believers?
These and other aspects of our national situation worry us and can rob us of hope. We may think that nothing can be done to change the situation, or leave everything to the government in power, when it has been shown that authority is exceeded by the prevailing reality. Their speeches repeat daily that we are doing well, that the people are happy, that their party is the solution to the problems. And how many people still believe him! The facts say the opposite.
DISCERN
Pope Francis, in his recent Message Urbi et Orbi (to the City and the World), states: “In the midst of the darkness of the earth, today in Bethlehem an inextinguishable flame has been lit; In the midst of the darkness of the world, today the light of God prevails, which “enlightens every man” (Jn 1:9). Let us rejoice in this grace! Rejoice, you who have lost confidence and certainties, because you are not alone, you are not alone: Christ was born for you! Rejoice, you who have abandoned hope, because God extends his hand to you; He does not point his finger at you, but rather he offers you his little Child’s hand to free you from your fears, to relieve you of your fatigue and to show you that in his eyes you are valuable like no other. Rejoice, you who do not find peace in your heart, because the ancient prophecy of Isaiah has been fulfilled: “A child has been born to us, a son has been given to us, and he is called the Prince of Peace” (9, 5). Scripture reveals that his peace and his kingdom will have no end (cf. 9:6)”.
ACT
Let us be consistent with our faith and make the Christmas message a reality: Let us give glory to God, let us recognize him as Lord, let us worship him reverently, and let us build peace, family and social harmony, respecting each other and doing good around us.