Christmas Greetings from Rev. Dr. Franklin Menezes, Director, Seva Kendra Calcutta Dear Friends, At birth, the Son of God finds shelter in the cattle shed with cows, oxen, sheep and the shepherds for company. The parents of the newborn Jesus were very worried. The political situation was just not favourable for the coming of the Son of God. The entire Jewish nation was faced with a political uprising and a threat to their very existence. Mary was even foretold at the Annunciation, that a sword would pierce her heart. I often wonder, did this warning make her frightful of the future or did she have a sense of uncertainty on the future of her son. The flight into Egypt was a painful event, as a mother having just given birth to a child she had to take shelter in a distant alien land traversing a barren sanded desert with Joseph at her side and the blessed Donkey! As young parents we taught our children the famous carol written by English songwriter Eric Boswell which describes the journey by Mary with the newborn Jesus astride on a donkey: “Little donkey, little donkey on the dusty road Got to keep on plodding onwards with your precious load Been a long time, little donkey, through the winter’s night Dont give up now, little donkey, Bethlehems in sight Ring out those bells tonight Bethlehem, Bethlehem Follow that star tonight Bethlehem, Bethlehem Little donkey, little donkey, had a heavy day Little donkey, carry Mary safely on her way Little donkey, little donkey, journeys end is near There are wise men waiting for a sign to bring them here Do not falter little donkey, theres a star ahead It will guide you, little donkey, to a cattle shed Under these difficult circumstances, God chooses to take the human form. This decision of God is even more astounding when one considers that the same God, is time and again taken for granted by Israel and His laws are repeatedly violated and trampled on. This victim-God comes to dwell among the offenders and chooses to be born in the household of David, thereby signifying the fact that the victim-God forgives the offenders’ backsliding and betrayal and seeks reconciliation. This why we say, “Emmanuel, Emmanuel – God is with us, Our God is with us….”. God himself comes down to dwell among his creation of humanity and most of the very offenders. He chooses to dwell among his people during moments of crisis, deprivation, on being abandoned, or being in prison – like the kids in Kishaloy or living in anxiety and fear. Emmanuel is present in all of the above situations, no matter how we have offended and wounded him. He reconciles every moment with his creation, no wonder we call him the Wounded Healer! Seva Kendra Calcutta was geared up this Christmas season to celebrate the ‘Joy of Childhood’. On 20th and 21st December Seva Kendra Calcutta successfully organized ‘Shishumela’ (Children’s Fair) at the Muslim Camp Ground. Around 400 children participated in this mega-event. On 23rd December, Seva Kendra Calcutta organized the distribution of warm clothes and goodies to the poor elderly and children. On 24th December, 600 children were invited and treated with Christmas Lunch. Seva Kendra Calcutta continues to be steadfast in its vision and mission that reflects the divine calling to work with the wounded healer to bring ‘hope and healing’ to all humankind! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015! MAY GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANDTLY!!! with warm regards, Franklin https://youtube/watch?v=PrLoWt2tfqg
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 10:52:17 +0000
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