by Bonaventure Ifeanyi Ughonu, SDB
Nigerian missionary in Austria
Let's look at the Old Testament where we read how God sent Abraham far away and later led the Israelites out of slavery through Moses. In Gen 12,1-2 it is written: "The Lord said to Abraham: Go from your country, from your town and from your father's house towards the land I will show you. I will make of you into a great people and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing."
A similar passage is found in Exodus 3: 7-8: "The Lord said, I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their suffering. I came down to free them from the hand of Egypt and to bring them out of that land to a beautiful and spacious country, to a country where milk and honey flow."
Abraham was sent to a new land to found the people of God. Moses, too, listened to the voice of God and thus reached the Promised Land. So many prophets have had to go abroad. For this reason I think the Christmas story is an experience of exodus.
The incarnation of Christ is a miracle and a secret. It is also an exodus from Heaven to Earth, as God wants to save us. He is merciful and full of love, so He came to save us, as He saved the Israelites of yore.
Christmas also invites us to exodus from our “comfort zone” in favor of the poor and foreigners. This requires much compassion, as God had with the poorest. Of course, we must celebrate with our families and friends; but this Jesus, whom we celebrate, also awaits us in those who have nothing and no one to celebrate.
Are you ready this year, ready to embark on an exodus - like Jesus - and to go towards others, our neighbors, the homeless and to the young people on the streets?
Merry Christmas!
