Pope Francis’ Christmas message

The message of Pope Francis during this year’s Christmas celebration must bring us back to what Christmas is really about, and it is never about how much the local government units spend on firecrackers.

Pope Francis said, “May we overcome our spiritual drowsiness and the shallow holiday glitter that makes us forget the One whose birth we are celebrating.”

I would venture to say that a similar view should be what we should bear in mind in our celebration of the Feast of Senyor Sto. Nino this coming January. It should not be about drinking till you drop. It should, instead, remind us of our faith.

He also spoke of the burdens or reasons that make many of us unable to walk behind Jesus. He said, “What are those burdens? What is that dead weight? The same negative forces that prevented King Herod and his court from acknowledging the birth of Jesus: attachment to power and money, pride, hypocrisy, falsehood.”

Power and money may give people some sense of security, but it is an empty sense of security. The powerful are in constant fear of being replaced. They dread the thought of powerlessness. Look at some of our politicians. They work day and night to perpetuate themselves in power. That is why they consider their first day in office as their first day of campaigning in order to win in the next election. There is no real desire for public service. Except those who are really sincere in public service.

Since they tend to run after those who are not politically loyal to them, they are in constant fear of being defeated, as they may experience similar oppression they inflict upon others. They experience no peace.

Towards the end, the Pope once reminds us of the importance of simplicity: “Brothers and sisters, Bethlehem shows us the simplicity of God, who reveals himself not to the wise but to the little ones, to those with a pure and open heart (Mat. 11:25).”

But it seems that it is the glitter of power and recognition, wealth and influence, that attract many people, and it permeates every sphere of society, the church included.

Maybe it is only proper that our government officials are included in prayers during masses. It’s because while an individual may be able to do harm toward his neighbor from time to time, it is different, and the effect is far worse when policymakers make decisions that will make countless citizens suffer, such as passing laws and ordinances that are contrary to the latter’s interest.