Africa-Press – Seychelles. ‘Walking together with God who never stops coming to us’
God never ceases to come to us on our human journey and to walk by our side. God is the Breath of our breath that gives us the joy of living. He is the one who sustains us by “strengthening our failing hands, making firm our weak knees “* when the road is difficult.
Nevertheless, God is so surprising that we often risk not recognising him and sometimes even thinking that he is absent. Do we not also say to him: “Lord, when did we see you? **
In fact, who would have imagined that a baby, born in a stable, would make us discover the omnipotence of God? It is true, however, that for those who know how to marvel at the smile of any baby, is given a glimpse of the smile that God gives to each of us. Who among us is not surprised or scandalised to discover all the tenderness of God hanging on a cross, without all desire of power?
It is true that the Lord takes our thoughts about him in his stride! We are constantly tempted to invent a God in our image – an image disfigured by sin!
Between the crib and the Cross, Jesus took time to get to know his brothers and sisters in humanity and for three years he walked a lot. The Gospels show us that Jesus is constantly on the road. He meets the Samaritan woman at the well and visits the family of Lazarus, Martha and Mary. He lets himself be reached by lepers, by those who suffer in their body and in their heart, as well as by notable people like the Roman centurion or by sharing a meal with Simon the Pharisee. Jesus comes to meet us to teach us, to free us from all the powers that hurt us and damage creation. He truly bears his name: Jesus-Emmanuel… God saves us, God with us.
Mary Magdalene – the woman freed from 7 demons – is the first through whom Jesus makes us discover that this walk together continues beyond death. In another manner, but a reality.
Pope Francis invites us to a synodal walk in order to adjust our steps to the steps of Jesus, God with us, the one who comes and goes in search of people from all the nations of the earth.
The way of Jesus is the way of the Church. The path of the Church, like the path of Jesus, follows the road of human history. On this road, by assuming our responsibilities within society, within the family, we are invited to place ourselves at the service of the common good.
Yes, by allowing ourselves to be led by Jesus (God saves us) we are called to fight against the leprosy of modern times: alcohol and drugs. Sexual abuse and human trafficking. Following Jesus, the prince of peace, we are invited to reduce violence, starting with verbal violence, which always leads to physical violence. By allowing ourselves to be accompanied by the Emmanuel, we are called to overcome the fear of superstition, sorcerers and other charlatans who want to lock us up in the irrational, in order to better manipulate and dominate us.
With the birth of a child, a new future begins! By allowing Jesus Emmanuel to be born in each of us, in each of our families, in the church-family, in society – the Seychellois family, a future is opening up.
Let us continue, more than ever, our sun odos, our walk together, to be witnesses of the greatness of God revealed by Baby Jesus.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2023!
Bishop Alain Harel
Bishop of Port Victoria
* Isaiah 35
** Matthew 25
For More News And Analysis About Seychelles Follow Africa-Press
