Most people would say that the year 2020 will come to pass with but a few worthwhile and memorable events, except that… the whole world and its human population has been adversely affected by the spread of the coronavirus disease to the extent that even major world economies have suffered a major hit. To a great extent, the pandemic has changed the lifestyle of a multitude of people. Even relationships are now governed by social distancing protocols. In some countries, controlling the pandemic imposes certain limitations on the freedom of its citizens, extraordinary measures directed towards curbing the spread of infection. We hear plenty of sad stories about people who succumbed to the disease, and this, more often than not, sows fear and alarm to most of us.
Nine months on since the outbreak of COVID-19, humankind still hasn’t come up with a definite and tested cure to the disease. As such, the death toll and the number of confirmed infections continue to rise as the whole world scrambles for a vaccine to solve many problems that this pandemic has brought about. This situation can give rise to disagreements and conflict among nations regarding who should get more of the vaccine and who should get the vaccine first once it is proven to be effective. World politics will heavily influence the matter of access and control and will most probably lean on political and economic might. After all, much of the world is, unfortunately, still run by people who are motivated by personal interest and wanton disregard for others. Under these circumstances, it will be a different kind of war: it will be a fight for survival where the disadvantaged part of humanity, those on the margins of society, will be on the losing end.
At a sobering time like this, Christmas presents us with a message of hope. Not that we should give extravagant gifts to each other or whatnot. Nor should there be any grand celebrations with an abundance of food or uncontrolled consumerism. This idea also applies to nations, as well as the basic unit of society, the family. The true message of Christmas is and has always been founded on an incarnate Love – Emmanuel, “God-with-us”– one that feels the joys and sorrows of others, cares concretely for them and inspires others to give in return. This Love made flesh always understands, sees beyond appearances, and overcomes any barrier. It knows how to forgive and forget, and contributes to the common good, choosing to unite than to divide.
We can celebrate Christmas as real Christians by witnessing this kind of Love. If we all foster true fraternity and social friendship enunciated by Pope Francis in Fratelli Tutti, we can truly start to build a better, more just, and peaceful world, with the contribution of all: individuals, institutions, and subsequently, even governments. We dare declare an emphatic “No” to war and globalized indifference. Instead, let us strengthen our resolve to love and respect one another as we all live in one and the same world.
