Christ is Born! Alleluia!

As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we are sobered by the news of the deaths of more than 77,000 by the tidal waves which hit Asia and Africa.

May we ourselves be Christ's incarnation in the world by responding with prayer and whatever other support we might be able to provide for the victims of this disaster. Let us also be inspired by the world's outpouring of support for the survivors of this disaster. Let it be a reminder in violent times that as human beings we can mobilize in great numbers for good, not just for war! Perhaps this need and the charity we must draw on to respond to it might make us hesitate before rushing to war again. And let us not forget to pray for those engaged in and suffering from the violence in Iraq, on both sides. May hearts be ever more turned to charity in the face of disaster and war.