32nd Sunday Of Year B
November 2006
A priest was asked 'Father, how much should I spend on my wife's Christmas present?' In plain language the answer was 'if you love her, you know. If you do not love her give nothing. '
Parents love their children. So much so that - in many homes - children's toys are a health and safety hazard.
Before Christmas, we asked our parishioners in South Africa to donate unwanted toys. We ended up with a closet full. We then offered them to the children of the Mozambican refugees. Their incredulous delight was their gift to us.
Why not discuss this with your children and give them the choice of foregoing something this Christmas so that the money can be used to bring a little joy to other children?
Such moneys could be donated to the Cheshire home for children in Zambia where Sr. Stella works. Or to the primary school in Kabazi, Kenya. Or to the parish in Peru which the Diocese is supporting. Or your children themselves might know of some charity that helps children and may wish to send them a gift. Involving your children in this way will help them to understand the true spirit of Christmas.
As St. John tells us: 'If anyone is well-off in worldly possessions and sees his brother in need but closes his heart to him, how can the love of God be remaining in him?
Our love must be not just words or mere talk, but something active and genuine.'