As we prepare for Christmas 2023 celebrating the birth of Jesus, our
contemporary world is shaken by political turmoil and violent warfare.
Nevertheless, for more than two thousand years, the abiding spirit of Jesus has called all of us to a new way of living. Jesus was kind and caring to everybody. What bothered him was any system, civil or religious, that caused people to suffer.

The dangerous polarization of so much in our society, including religion, has claimed many victims. But Jesus’ presence and message remain our hope and our challenge today and for tomorrow.

We need to be alert to what is happening. And we need to act.

As my friend Archbishop Jean Jadot (1909 – 2009), Apostolic Delegate to the U.S.A. from 1973 to 1980, often reminded me: “Now is the time to look ahead. Just as we can look at the sky at night and tell what the morning will bring, so we must be able to read the signs of the times to prepare for the future.”

May we keep our eyes open. The future is in our hands.

“As long as there are people, Christ will walk the earth as your neighbor, as the one through whom God calls you, speaks to you, makes demands on you.” ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906 – 1945): Reflections on Advent and Christmas.

My very best wishes for Christmas 2023 and the New Year!
Jack

Another Voice will return in mid-January 2024