People in my care

For most of my childhood and long after that, Christmas was always about me. Even a good portion of my early adult life was marked with “what will come my way on Christmas day?”

My life as a Catholic priest, now almost 42 years young, has given me a totally different perspective about this sacred season. Beyond the trees and lights, the music and the presents that still find their way under my tree, I have been placed in the unique position where the lens through which I look now is directed at those for whom this time of year is not happy.

As a pastor of souls, I look out over my congregation and in our community and see those who are spending their first Christmas without a loved one. I cannot help but notice those who went through the trauma of a divorce this past year, with children the victims of much collateral damage. I see those who are battling a catastrophic disease as the year comes to an end, and I am very much aware of those in our local community who have grave concerns about their inability to provide the basic necessities of life for their family, much less worrying about gifts or presents. And because I only have 300 words to use, the list would exceed the necessity to take notice of the darkness that envelops our world, our country, and even our church.

So what makes me happy? It is knowing that God places these people in my care and in the care of our faith community, and challenges me to let those who are not happy know that Christmas is not about us, but about Jesus and about them. This opportunity brings happiness like none other.

FRANCIS I. MALONE

Little Rock