In his first Christmas address since assuming leadership, the Archbishop of Bombay, John Rodrigues, has delivered a powerful message calling for a celebration that transcends mere external revelry. He urged the city's faithful and all people of goodwill to move beyond the surface-level festivities and deeply immerse themselves in concrete acts of compassion and generosity.
Two Essential Pathways to a Meaningful Christmas
The Archbishop outlined two fundamental ways to authentically honour the Christmas season. The first, he emphasized, is by giving glory to God through daily actions. He referenced the joyous return of the angels' hymn, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,' which is sung at Christmas after being omitted during the Advent Sundays.
Archbishop Rodrigues stressed that this divine praise must not be confined to church services but must extend into everyday life. He called for this glory to be manifested through active kindness, unwavering generosity, and strong solidarity with those in need. This includes practical steps such as:
- Visiting and comforting those who are grieving.
- Providing tangible support to people in need.
- Bringing genuine joy to the lives of the poor and those who are suffering.
Embracing the 'Revolution of Tenderness'
The second way to celebrate, as highlighted by the Archbishop, is to participate in what Pope Francis describes as the 'revolution of tenderness'. He reflected on the profound nature of the Nativity, where God entered the world not with overwhelming power, but as a vulnerable infant, embodying pure tenderness and simplicity.
"The Nativity scene invites us to wonder at God's astonishing ways," Archbishop Rodrigues said. He further explained that this sacred event calls upon everyone to remain open and receptive to the 'God of surprises,' whose plans often unfold in the most unexpected and humble manners.
A Feast of Profound Joy for All
Archbishop John Rodrigues affirmed that Christmas is a feast of deep and abiding joy for individuals, families, the Church, and the entire world. The core of this celebration, he noted, is the collective rejoicing over the belief that God has come to dwell among humanity through the birth of His Son to the Virgin Mary.
To help the community live out this profound message, the Archdiocese of Bombay has encouraged everyone to engage in three key practices:
- Deepening one's personal and communal prayer life.
- Actively participating in charitable works and giving.
- Cultivating a heart open to receiving and sharing God's boundless love.
The Archbishop's inaugural Christmas message thus serves as a timely reminder for Mumbai and beyond, steering the focus from commercial celebration towards a season marked by spiritual reflection, heartfelt tenderness, and selfless service to others.
