Sunday, December 24, 2006 Luab: The presence of Jesus By Evelyn R. Luab Light Sunday
JESUS came into our lives today by being born in a manger in Bethlehem. Because He became human, it is so easy to relate with the Jesus who walked this earth, too, and knows exactly what we go through as ordinary mortals.
If we pause to reflect on His birth we are the receivers (I don’t like the word recipients because somehow it sounds very passive.) of His unconditional and passionate love.
All of us, and I mean all, during times of crises have felt that love without limit when we need it most. My only regret is that we do not recognize this kind of love during the crises itself.
It is only during hindsight that we realize that it was His hand that led the way, that pulled us out of the depths and that made the burden much lighter.
So many of us not only those in the charismatic movement have attested to God’s healing grace. How does one explain a temperature of 42°C dropping suddenly to 38°C through the power of intense prayer?
How does one explain how a mother and father’s fervent prayers saved a son not only from his stroke, but also from his drug habit? Many people say God does not write in straight lines but often does so in circles. In one of our Thursday Bible Group sessions we were made to identify the name and address of God on earth, for He does appear to us ever so often.
How else can one explain the appearance of a very patient, loving, compassionate special nurse who nurses a terminal patient with so much patience, understanding and love?
How else can one explain the sudden phone call of a friend whose absence of so many years brings good tidings of unexpected monetary help during the height of a very tight financial situation?
Friends speak of strangers popping out of nowhere giving us opportunities to practice Jesus’ love of neighbor. When angels of kindness make hospital visits and bring solace and Holy Communion to lonely hospital inmates, Christ comes in to hold their hands.
As I held my beloved’s hand in mine while life slowly ebbed from him, I knew my other hand was held by One, whose great love for me is unsurpassed.
We have heard many times of the parable of the good samaritan and “those of little faith” still wonder whether such generosity and care did once exist.
If only the thousands of beneficiaries of so much generosity from Filipino brothers here and abroad could band together to prove that good samaritans still do exist even up to the present times, we would be able to shout to the world that good samaritans are everywhere.
Typhoon, fire, flood, victims in the midst of their need are aware that the face of God is mirrored in the many hands that send relief and help in the distribution of goods.
Even as I write, some students came looking for the depressed area near my place with bundles of joy.
This Christmas day certain families will spend a blessed Christmas day with foster families who graciously dug out of their pockets to make this a joyous day to celebrate.
Today as I spend this day with my friends, children between the ages of eleven to fourteen in the pier area, I am very sure, Jesus will join us as we make merry His birthday.
Christmas eve, tonight will be a difficult time for me. I am missing a tall, lanky 5’11” guy who will not be able to spend this midnight noche buena with us.
However, I am sure that Jesus will make His presence felt so that I and my family will feel the warmth of His love.
My question to you, dear friends, is part wistful thinking and part reminder.
Will Jesus be a part of His own birthday celebration in your home?
