Holes in our hearts 우리 마음속 구멍

"Merry Christmas!" "Buon Natale!" 

Every year, we celebrate Christmas. During the holiday season, we find nativity scenes throughout the world. Whether Catholic or Protestant, Christmas has become a universally festive occasion.

Would Jesus be born again in any of those beautifully and elegantly decorated mangers? Where can we search for Jesus in this world filled with disasters, terrorism, and hostility? 

Recently, I was wondering whether going to a language school is better for my studies. I was eager to study but still hesitant and couldn't decide by myself.

Then, a Sister said, "I have gaps here and there in my language because I didn't go to language school." Heeding her advice, I went to the language school to learn Italian.

Nevertheless, even though we make efforts to improve, we can't but face some gaps in our language proficiency and in our lives as well. With much enthusiasm, we challenge ourselves to close the gaps, but they are natural and normal in our lives because nobody is perfect. Being human means that we are more or less fragile and limited in some ways.

As times go on, I feel and realize that I can't do many things by myself. Interestingly at the same time, I do realize and believe that those gaps and limitations are the very way to humility, empathy, sympathy, compassion, sharing, and collaboration.

It is in the empty space where Jesus is born and lives among us every day. If we are perfect and have no gaps, we will become self-sufficient and independent and ultimately we will not need anybody who can help and save us like Jesus. 

It is quite interesting and inspiring to see the oculus, a nine-meter hole in the dome of the Pantheon in Rome first built in 27 B.C. and then renovated after a fire in 125 A.D. It is amazing to think of an architect who had imagined making a hole in the lofty domed ceiling of the Pantheon. In spite of the possible harm of rain, wind, and storm, the hollow hole has become a pathway for air, ventilation, and sunshine.

A hole in a building can be harmful and dangerous, but I feel the hole in the Pantheon reveals our unconscious longing for the heavens. The hole is the mysterious gateway connecting us and God. Once the place for all Gods, the Pantheon has since served as the historical Church of Saint Mary and the Martyrs.

While walking around here and there, I found another form of a hole in the architecture: most of the residential and commercial buildings have been built in the shape of a square or quadrangle with a hole or empty space in the middle, usually used either as a garden, yard or parking lot.

Truly, it is in emptiness and nothingness that creativity, composure, acceptance, and appreciation come into being. Our sense of fragility, limitations, and incompleteness makes us more human, understanding, merciful, and compassionate. The gaps make space to be filled with something more meaningful, creative, and abundant.

Appreciating and cherishing those openings in the world, Pope Francis is always looking for the alienated and the marginalized and treats the homeless well. Limitations and obstacles in our lives are the birthplaces of Jesus in the generous perspective of the Pope. Surely in those empty spaces in our hearts, Jesus will be born again and again. When Jesus is born there, the holy door will be opened wide.

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2015/12/162_193962.html

The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ Dec 24 (online), 25 (offline), 2015