Christmas reflection: Illuminating humanity

Benny Susetyo Pr, Catholic Priest, Malang, East Java

Acts of violence have plagued the nation one after another, as though we have been affected by a terrible illness of some sort. Common sense is becoming a rarity, and we witness bloodshed among our fellow countrymen everyday; yet this fails to make us sad and correct ourselves. Instead, the violence has become the norm.

Is this the dark side of our country's sense of humanity? Why have we gone blind and have become incapable of reading the signs of the times? All at once, we have been shocked by the fact that the nation is a champion of corruption, oppression, arson, rioting and that terrorism is around us, with the latest blasts on the island of Bali and in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

Therefore, during Christmas this year, we ask, does spiritual enlightenment still exist in this land? Is Christmas merely a hollow ceremony? Day by day, we suffuse religious Indonesia with swearing and attempts at destroying and devouring one another. We're like crouching lions ready to overwhelm their prey.

Further, nature is no longer hospitable. The recent mudslide tragedy at Pacet in Mojokerto, East Java, indicates how the greed of men is at the root of different perils.

Despite the various warnings and reprisals by nature, our elite groups are increasingly unaware of their behavior, blinded by their orientation to personal gain -- its followers merely dancing on Mount Sinai, ignoring the oppression that is before their very eyes. The quality of faith escapes the attention of our elites, while actually they should be living in the footsteps of Allah.

Isaiah said worship would please Allah if there was social solidarity among men. He cited the words of God, "I want you to distribute your bread to the famished, take the poor who are homeless, give clothing to the unclothed." He criticized a practice of worship which fails to take others into account.

The late Bishop of Semarang and national hero Monsignor A. Soegijopranoto S.J. once stated that Christians should be strict and firm in adhering to their principles, but mild in the face of fellow citizens. Otherwise, religious practice would only be trapped in a language of identity deprived of humanitarian features.

Embracing a faith without observing justice is nonsense. Being a believer without striving for truth and justice amounts to a weak faith. A believer who keeps silent over oppression, exploitation and other deviatory practices commits a great sin -- a sin great than having no religion!

A faith practiced through rituals alone will not be capable of freeing men from prejudice. By professing a faith, one has to get out of oneself and bear witness. The murdered bishop of El Salvador, Oscar Romero, once said, "Joining politics means serving the public instead of wresting power. So Christians engaged in politics should observe morality, avoid lies, corruption, intimidation and violence or...(sacrifice) public interest and welfare...let alone ordinary people."

Politics should be pursued by following the yardstick of humanitarian justice. Becoming citizens capable of illuminating the world is the responsibility of all in bringing an end to violence.

This would be the true celebration of Christmas! Rather than a mere ritual commemoration, it is a celebration of faith in which a new babe arrived when the global community was in grief. Now it marks the time when millions of children must cry helplessly in the face of a crueler world. It is about the cries of children who cannot enjoy their childhood because their fields have been converted into supermarkets, factories and golf courses. Still millions of others must take refuge for having been made victims through the scheming of the political elite, with the rest being forced to work hard, day and night, at the city's crossroads.

The children's anguish should prompt us to reflect on the more profound significance of Christmas. The message of Christmas is to advise us not to be afraid of the world despite its current inhospitality.

When law is subject to manipulation and becomes an object of transaction, the expression of justice becomes obscured. The Virgin Mary experienced such conditions when injustice, oppression, manipulation and authoritarianism prevailed in her era. Under these circumstances, Allah conveyed a message of joy, which news was revealed to a village maid named Mary, rather than a prime minister, a king, a leader or a conglomerate magnate.

Mary mirrors an innocent and humble mother, and her humility is hidden in great mystery. She was able to open a path of radiance along a dark horizon. When people were helpless and rendered hopeless, Mary was present among them.

When the angel divulged the message to Mary, he said: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you," a sign of salvation bestowed upon the Virgin. The happy message indicated the alienation of men, who were gripped by wild desires, rancor and the pursuit of power, wealth and high positions. Now the shackles were broken by this greeting. The angel said: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, the Messiah awaited by mankind."

The angel's words "do not be afraid" are also aimed at those who still retain their conscience, who are poor, oppressed, victimized and disregarded by the political elite. It is these people who can grasp the true essence of Christmas. They are modest citizens who never expect anything in return. They have sincere hearts and are never afraid of losing their position or power. It is their good names that can help us celebrate Christmas amid the nation's sorrows, because they remain faithful and understand the message.

Christmas brings joy to those who live in modesty and whose hearts are filled with sincerity. That is the Christmas we all share.