This Christmas let us dare to dance in the arms of grace by rediscovering our desire to walk together, to fully realize a church, whose members are grounded with the contribution of all. Today’s modern era, with its many pressing challenges, is dominated by technology and consumerism. Our cultural and institutional legacy of an imperial era, has divided us by nationality, religion, class, race and gender, and pits us against one another in a violent competition for wealth and power, putting us on a path to self-annihilation. With wars all around, it is urgent that we transition to a civilization that reflects Jesus’s ideal of peace and universal sister/brotherhood, using our intergenerational wisdom.
It is the task of every Christian to work towards a civilization dedicated to restoring the health of the Earth’s regenerative systems while securing material sufficiency and spiritual abundance for all In 2023, the total global military expenditure reached $2443 billion, which would be more than sufficient to eliminate world hunger and homelessness. Problems like the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change affect us collectively and can only be solved collectively. Instead of defending our arbitrary boundaries with tanks, barbed wires and atom bombs, there must be a better way to coexist on this emerald blue planet that shimmers in the heavens? We are all interconnected threads in the same cosmic fabric. Recognizing this interconnectedness fosters empathy, compassion and a sense of belonging, guiding us toward a more harmonious coexistence with each other, and the world around us.
“The world seems to have lost its heart today”, says Pope Francis, in his new encyclical, Dilexit Nos. The heart is the “locus of sincerity” where we are true to ourselves. We need to focus on both our personal spirituality and communal missionary commitment. Instead of ending up as insatiable consumers and slaves to the mechanisms of a market, let us create a new civilization of love, built on the foundation of Christ’s love. Giving from the inside out is the power of light over darkness, creating space for calm, creativity, innovation, and deeper connections.
We need to foster an awakening of consciousness that All is One, and rediscover the divine plan for humanity, the spirit of fraternity that binds everyone together as God’s creatures and as brothers and sisters. We love God by loving our neighbour, only then will God be with us. Let us get our hands and feet dirty in serving the Lord this Christmas by serving one another. Wishing you a dancing Christmas in the arms of a grace-filled New Year 2025!
Dr (Sr) Mudita Menona Sodder RSCJ
Sophia College Campus, Mumbai
9th Nov 2024
Dr (Sr) Mudita Menona Sodder has been the JPIC coordinator of the Indian Province of her congregation for the past 12 years. She specializes in Eco-Spirituality and Integral Ecology.
Section |International News
Province |India
Our Spirituality |Celebrating the Seasons|Reflections from Around the World
