Expectation is one of the important aspects of our life. We expect many things, varying from person to person. The purpose of life is to glorify God and forever enjoy the benefits of knowing Him through Jesus Christ. Our most dearly-held expectation should be to fulfill our purpose.
However, each of us must live within society where there is hatred, violence and discrimination – all of which tend to distract us from our purpose and interfere with our joy. We need good leaders to create a Godly society in which there is the peace that contributes to our meeting our expectations.
Long years ago, the society of the Jews was beset with problems. The people suffered under the rule of the far away Roman emperor. They suffered, as well, under ungodly local leadership. Between Rome and the Pharisees, Sadducees, chief priests and elders, the people were burdened with taxes, laws and other requirements. They expected the Messiah to come and redeem them from slavery to freedom in this life.
Jesus Christ was born as Messiah: a spiritual savior, not a political one. He was critical of the leadership of the Jews, and offered the people healing and other blessings in their temporal lives, but Jesus taught the Kingdom of God for all eternity. He taught that it can begin here on earth and encouraged its establishment in this life. He is called the Prince of Peace; His is the peace that allows us to glorify God.
Christmas is the season of remembering the coming of our Lord. However, in the celebration of the Christ Child, let us not lose sight of our expectation and our purpose. Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom. Let us bring it forth in this life, not just by electing Godly leaders, but also by healing, caring for, loving and protecting the sick, the needy, the helpless. We glorify God by imitating Jesus. May God bless you all during this season of Christmas and throughout the New Year.
Father Francis Xavier Arockiasamy is administrator of Our Lady of the Mountains Church in Highlands.