Christmas should give a reason to make “sincere efforts to bring peace, comfort and happiness to our families and neighbours,” the vicar general of the archdiocese of Kolkata, Father Dominic Gomes, said on Christmas Eve.
Father Gomes was speaking at the Christmas Eve celebrations at Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Narendrapur, on the southern fringes of Kolkata.
“Christmas should give us the occasion to reflect on the reason for Christmas and to make sincere efforts to bring peace, comfort and happiness to our families and our neighbours,” said Father Gomes.
A monk performs rituals at the Ramakrishna Mission world headquarters at Belur in Howrah district on Christmas Eve on Friday Picture courtesy: Ramakrishna Mission Belur Math
“We need to have big hearts. Not only at Christmas but all year round by sharing talents, our time, and our God-given gifts with those around us in our neighbourhood…. And be sensitive,” he said.
“Let us learn that Christmas is forever, not just for one day, but for loving, sharing and forgiving all the year round.”
The vicar general said most people were caught in the hustle and bustle of survival and had become conceited and did not want to share with others.
“Christmas is also a time to listen to the cry of the people...,” he said
Just because one is in a comfort zone, he said, one should not remain confined to oneself.
The evening was marked by the singing of carols.
“Sri Ramakrishna practised Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and he realised that all religions are true, leading to the same goal. Sri Ramakrishna saw Christianity as a true religion leading to the same goal… and He had a vision of Jesus as an incarnation of God,” said Swami Sarvalokananda, secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Narendrapur.
Christmas Eve is celebrated across all centres of Ramakrishna Mission.