The festive month of December is here and it brings along a special and magical time filled with family traditions and warm memories.
The feast of our dear St. Francis Xavier is generally celebrated on 3rd December but this year as 3rd December is the first Sunday of Advent, the Feast will be celebrated on Monday, 4th December. St. Francis Xavier, as we all know, gave up all his family fortunes and the worldly fame in order to proclaim Jesus. All of us, in a special way, Goans, are the beneficiaries. His faith made him forsake corruptible worldly ways to love God and his incorruptible word, and in return God blessed us to see his uncorrupted body. Every year, we make it a point to visit Old Goa. Do we go only to seek and receive favours from God through the intercession of St. Francis Xavier? Do we ever praise and glorify God for his wonders or just complain and beg for more? At least this year let us pledge to build and spread the faith we have received from this Saint, our very own “Goemcho Saib”.
Our Blessed Virgin Mary, although the cryptic message of the Angel struck her as utterly impossible, offers herself freely, in true faith, as the servant of the Lord. She strives to live God’s will as she says to the angel “Let it be with me according to your word”. As we remember and relive this historic moment on 8th December, let us surrender ourselves to God so that, He is able to do the impossible through us and most of all, ask God for the grace to humbly serve those in need, making mother Mary our role model.
Christmas is such a special time of the year, rejoicing in the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is also a busy time for all of us…. Singing carols, lighting Advent candles, adorning Christmas stars and trees, putting up decorations, buying new clothes, new shoes, gifts…. The list goes on and on. These are all material things taken care of year after year.
Jesus was born thousands of years ago and we cannot expect Him to be born in the manger all over again. Jesus wants a place in our hearts …. let’s make place for him. More importantly let us resolve to gift this baby Jesus to one another and a beginning could be made by loving and serving our own family members. Our kind deeds at all times can work ordinary miracles. Serving and giving alms to the needy, a kind word spoken to someone lonely and hurt, effort to stop a gossip session…. whatever. It is said, it takes a minute to find a special person and express kindness, an hour to appreciate the person, a day to love and respect the person. BUT an entire life to forget the person and the joy that his kind deed works in us.
Jesus is knocking at the door of our hearts. Let us be ready and allow Him to enter in and change our lives.
Wishing each one of you a joyous and family Christmas.
Felix Dias
Act. Editor