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KOHIMA — Bishop of Kohima Diocese, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, called upon the faithful to persist in faith and put their trust in God although the year 2020 has been a year of agony, suffering, change, new mode of life and relating.
The bishop stated this in his homily during the morning mass on Christmas Day as the main celebrant at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral in Kohima. He stated that life continued to be very difficult for many especially those who were far away from their near and dear ones following the sudden lockdown declared by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He stated that in the midst of those hard realities of life, there is no much hope for while celebrating the feast of Christmas. "The pictures of burial of the dear ones, death due to coronavirus without even having an opportunity to have a glance at the body of loved ones are all memories that will last forever," Thoppil recalled the tragic events.
The bishop, however, stated that Pope Francis' encyclical letter "Fratelli Tutti," called us to travel and recognise new paths of hope. "For God continues to sow abundant seeds of goodness in our human family," he quoted from the letter.
He also described the conception and birth of Jesus as both "joy and suffering" by citing the example of Mary and Joseph who did not give up their faith in the providence of God despite their struggle from finding a place to give birth to fleeing to Egypt with the new born baby. He, therefore, reminded the believers that it is to such faith and trust, "one is invited to this Christmas despite the Covid-19 and its after effect being a very challenging time for everyone".
"During this Christmas many of our sisters and brothers may not find themselves in the church inspite of their deep longing and desire. But, be assured no pandemic, no protocols, no restrictions, no fears can stop our Lord from being born into our hearts," Thoppil stated.
The bishop asked the faithful to make this Covid-19 pandemic a 'time for enrichment by strengthening one's faith in the merciful and loving God'. He also reminded that Christmas becomes a "feast of joy, sharing and sacrifice", when people make it a time to share their gifts -- time, talents and treasure with those who are in need.
Despite adversities and challenges, Thoppil stated that the pandemic has brought out the best in some human beings, especially frontline medical personnel and volunteers. "The best and worst in humanity was displayed during the period of coronavirus pandemic," he added.
He also prayed for openness of heart so that one could walk the "path of faith, hope and charity and to embrace the new life about to be born that is calling us towards universal love," as one prepares to say goodbye to 2020.
He concluded his message by quoting Alexander Pope who once said, "What do I profit if Jesus is born in thousands of cribs all over the world during this Christmas but is not born in my heart?"