The gospel today ends: “they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom and the favor of God was upon him.”
I grew up in the place of my birth, was brought up with the favour of God, of amazing parents and extended family who instilled the sense of home and love for my faith in my being. I attended a prestigious convent school for girls, along with girls of various backgrounds and faith. My non catholic neighbors came over to greet us for christmas and a glass of cheer while I never missed the festivities and fireworks of Diwali, my patients gave me boxes of biryani for Eid and I helped finish the rangoli at the entrance of my ward.
I trained in a classical form of indian dance called bharatnatyam and learnt hindu mythology and performed and ate at every temple in Goa. I touched my Gurus feet in gratitude and even participated in a sanskrit competition being the only catholic there. In all of my 31 years of existence, my closest friends have been from other faiths and religions. I never once was told to leave their homes or debarred from participating in their festivities.
This was home! Today my country is burning! My brethren of Islamic faith have been ostracized by government policies and detention camps set up all over the country to house people who the government states “don’t belong” to this country. I can see the fear in their eyes, who look toward my church and Lord for refuge! A few priests took to the pulpit to vocalize their opinion while most chose to remain silent about the situation, the reason is mostly suspected to be fear!
Prayer: Lord bless those with hatred and violence, with the wisdom to realise the value of life! Forgive us for the judgements we pass on others! Help us to live and accept everyone as equals! Amen.
P.S. please pray a decade of your rosary for the safety of all the minority religious communities in India.
