Mystic Mantra: Welcoming Jesus

Biblical scholars hold that Jesus’ birth, directly or indirectly, is prophesied at least 354 times in the Old Testament of the Bible. In addition, a distance cousin and contemporary of Jesus, John the Baptist, was assigned the job to announce the arrival of the one “whose sandals I am not worthy to untie”. John had managed to convince his listeners to repent for their sins in order to welcome the messiah so much that people approached him asking, “So what shall we now do?” His proclamation aroused indescribable expectation amongst people about a mighty and powerful messiah.

And powerful the messiah certainly was, not in the way that people then or in our times understand. For, like helpless refugees, his parents Mary and Joseph, could find refuge only in a stable in Bethlehem where the Saviour of the world was born. Further, the angels announced the joyful message of the birth of the Prince of Peace first to the shepherds singing, “Glory to God in the highest and Peace to people on earth…!”

His birth in meek, nay poor surroundings, and the message of “Peace on earth”, would set the whole action plan of his life’s preaching and mission. “Blessed are the peacemakers… Blessed are the merciful… If someone slaps you on the one cheek, show him the other too… Love your neighbour as yourself… Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you… Do ye to others that you want them to do to yourself…. Forgive not seven times but seventy times seven… Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing…”, are just a few of the profound teachings, this child, whose birth 2,000 years ago in a stable the world jubilantly celebrates today, taught his followers. He led the disciples from the front, showing them that the path to God was not only by sitting in prayer and meditation but by reaching out to the needy.

“In a rather checkered 2,000 year-long history of the institution he founded, telling his apostle Peter (the first Pope), “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church…”, leaders like Pope Francis keep leading the believers in the path shown by the Master. Having refugees in their homes, as many happily do in Europe today, is another way of welcoming Jesus, born as a refugee, in their hearts.

Father Dominic Emmanuel, a founder-member of Parliament of Religion, can be contacted at frdominic@gmail.com