|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 Homepage | The person | The family | The friends | Sitemap | Search | Contact  News  Year 2005 Français | English | Español |  PrintJanuary 2005, letter of Viviane le Polain "Take the child Jesus in your arms" Dear friends, during this Christmas time we have experienced the most terrible earthquake in South–East Asia. Many of our brothers and sisters are suffering. Among all the bad news that reach us every day, we must look carefully for small signs of hope, solidarity and compassion, signs that it is time to “widen the space of our tent” and open our hearts to those who have been struck by this tragedy. Valérie sent us news from the Faith and Light communities in Malaysia: « All our friends are safe and Singapore has been spared ». To these consoling news, she also enclosed a little story, a fioretti. The story is about Mary and is told by Adeline, Mary’s sister and correspondent of one of the communities in Kuala–Lumpur. It is a joy for me to send this story to you. We know that the more we share our stories the stronger the effects will be. They speak directly to our heart and change our attitudes much more than words!  “We celebrated the Feast of the Holy Family. We were sitting in front close to the beautifully decorated crib. During the homily, Mary suddenly stood up, went to the crib and soon started to clap her hands. My immediate reaction was: “She will attract a lot of unwanted attention. I wish she would stop". After a few claps, she did stop. She went closer and took the child Jesus into her arms. Mom and I were worried. I went to her and told her to put the child Jesus into the crib again. When I asked her why she was holding Jesus, she answered: "nyamuk banyak" (a lot of mosquitoes). There were too many mosquitoes close to the child Jesus. She clapped her hands to remove some of them. She took up Jesus to protect him from the mosquitoes. For Mary it is just so simple: Jesus is her friend and she wants him to be comfortable. That’s all she asks for! She helped me to reflect on my own life: Every time I pray in front of Jesus, I focus on my personal needs. But I really never reflect on whether Jesus is comfortable in my company or not! Our “special” friends continue to surprise us. Everything that Mary did, she did it because she loves Jesus. I was deeply moved” (Adeline) This story from Malaysia, one of the countries in South–East Asia, struck by this big tragedy, may seem insignificant. But it shows that in all circumstances it is important to be open to the small signs of hope and light, that we focus on what is beautiful and good, and what nourishes our faith. The story may help us see that our smallest friends in Faith and Light are our teachers. They lead us to what is essential, if we really listen to them. Thank you, Mary. Your love for Jesus invites us "to take the child Jesus into our arms", like Simeon after the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, like many parents who come to offer their “special” children to the Lord and discover his presence in them and recognize him everywhere where he is hidden. God welcomes us with his love ... To each of you, your families and your communities, I wish that you will experience the gift of Christmas in this New Year 2005! I hope that you, when you hold the child Jesus in your arms, will experience that you personally are the beloved child of God, the Father, in whom he has placed all his love. I am with you when you prepare the beautiful Feast of Light that we will soon celebrate in our Faith and Light communities around the world. My love and best wishes to all of you. Let us remain united in Jesus, in any circumstance. Viviane le Polain International coordinator |
 |
|
|
