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.
The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ December 25, 2015 http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2015/12/162_193962.html
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