Kuruvilla Pandikattu SJ

Christmas is a universal celebration of hope, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, who came to bring light to a world often overshadowed by darkness and despair. The holiday serves as a poignant reminder that, even in the bleakest moments, hope endures, providing us with the faith that the situation will improve. As we enter into the Christmas season, let us delve into the profound message of hope, exploring the ways in which it can be actualized on both an individual and collective level.
One of the most inspiring examples of hope in recent times is the miraculous rescue of the 41 workers who were trapped in a tunnel in Uttarakhand, India, for 17 days after a landslide. The workers survived in a dark and narrow space, with limited food, water, and oxygen, while rescue teams worked tirelessly to drill through the debris and reach them. The workers showed remarkable courage, patience, and resilience, while the rescuers showed dedication, skill, and compassion. The successful rescue operation was a testament to the power of hope, which kept the workers alive and motivated the rescuers to overcome the challenges and obstacles. The workers and the rescuers demonstrated what Pope Francis calls “the conviction that we need one another, that we share responsibility for others and the world, and that being good and decent are worth it.”

Making the World a Humane and Dependable Place
This powerful sentiment resonates deeply, emphasizing our interconnectedness and the shared duty to contribute positively to the world around us. It challenges us to embrace a collective responsibility to make the world a better place. The question naturally arises: How do we translate this responsibility into meaningful action, especially in a world often characterized by challenges and uncertainties? The answer lies in the simplicity of committed action – the conscious decision to be the change we wish to see in the world. It involves embodying qualities such as kindness, compassion, and empathy, reaching out with a helping hand to those in need. By cultivating a culture of care and sharing, we create an atmosphere of hope and optimism that becomes contagious, inspiring others to embark on their own journeys of positive change.

“In the midst of darkness,the birth of Jesus
brought hope to a world yearning for a glimmer of light.

Additionally, Pope Francis advocates for the rejection of a magical conception of the market, challenging the notion that increasing profits alone can solve societal problems. Instead, he proposes a paradigm shift towards a culture rooted in compassion, empathy, and kindness. By embracing these principles, we lay the foundation for a society where the well-being of individuals is prioritized over profit margins, fostering a culture of hope and resilience.

Collective Hope
The experience of hope extends beyond the individual level; it encompasses a collective force capable of driving societal change. Ernst Bloch’s assertion that hope is a constitutive dimension of being human underscores its profound impact on our individual and collective psyche. To bring hope to a world grappling with darkness and despair, we must transcend personal hope and embrace a collective hope that motivates us to work together for the betterment of humanity.
As we celebrate the Christmas season, the collective hope becomes a unifying theme, transcending differences in race, religion, or nationality. It is a time when people across the globe come together to celebrate the spirit of giving, love, and hope. The Christmas story, at its core, narrates a tale of hope – the transformative power of a small baby born in a manger that forever changed the world. In the midst of darkness, the birth of Jesus brought hope to a world yearning for a glimmer of light.

Hope Faced with Hopeless Crises
When we are confronted with seemingly insurmountable crises such as the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza, and the looming climate catastrophe, hope becomes a vital and powerful force that inspires us to act and to change. As G.K. Chesterton wisely noted, “Hope means hoping when things are hopeless”. Hope is not a passive emotion that we wait for; it is an active choice that we make. It is not a naive optimism that ignores the realities of the world; it is a courageous faith that acknowledges and confronts them. It is not a self-centred positive psychology that focuses on our own well-being; it is a compassionate empathy that cares for the well-being of others. It is not a complacent acceptance of the status quo; it is a creative resistance that challenges and transforms it.
One of the most inspiring examples of hope in action is the miraculous rescue of the 41 workers who were trapped in a tunnel in Uttarakhand, India, for 17 days after a landslide. The workers survived in a dark and narrow space, with limited food, water, and oxygen, while rescue teams worked tirelessly to drill through the debris and reach them. The workers showed remarkable courage, patience, and resilience, while the rescuers showed dedication, skill, and compassion. The successful rescue operation was a testament to the power of hope, which kept the workers alive and motivated the rescuers to overcome the challenges and obstacles. The workers and the rescuers demonstrated what Pope Francis calls “the conviction that we need one another, that we share responsibility for others and the world, and that being good and decent are worth it.”
This powerful sentiment resonates deeply, emphasizing our interconnectedness and the shared duty to contribute positively to the world around us. It challenges us to embrace a collective responsibility to make the world a better place. We can translate this responsibility into meaningful action by embodying qualities such as kindness, compassion, and empathy, reaching out with a helping hand to those in need. By cultivating a culture of care and sharing, we create an atmosphere of hope and optimism that becomes contagious, inspiring others to embark on their own journeys of positive change.
Additionally, Pope Francis advocates for the rejection of a magical conception of the market, challenging the notion that increasing profits alone can solve societal problems. Instead, he proposes a paradigm shift towards a culture rooted in compassion, empathy, and kindness. By embracing these principles, we lay the foundation for a society where the well-being of individuals is prioritized over profit margins, fostering a culture of hope and resilience.

Conclusion
To bring hope to a world grappling with darkness and despair, we must transcend personal hope and embrace a collective hope that motivates us to work together for the betterment of humanity.
As we relive the experience of Christmas, the collective hope becomes a unifying theme, transcending differences in race, religion, or nationality. It is a time when people across the globe come together to celebrate the spirit of giving, love, and hope. The Christmas story, at its core, narrates a tale of hope – the transformative power of a small baby born in a manger that forever changed the world. In the midst of darkness, the birth of Jesus brought hope to a world yearning for a glimmer of light.
As we live the message of hope of the New Born Jesus, let us remember the words of Martin Luther King Jr., who said, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” Let us also remember the case of the 41 workers who were trapped in the tunnel in Uttarakhand, who showed us that hope can overcome the most difficult and even hopless situations. Let us celebrate the gift of hope, and share it with others, making the world a brighter, better and more humane place.
kuru@xlri.ac.in