Silent night.

This is a delayed post, I had meant to write it as the event unfolded, but at this point, I'm trying to get it done before Christmas. I apologize for ending advent on such a grim note.
The night was silent. The night of the 14th of December was devoid of the voices of 20 young children who were victims of the horrific disaster. How can one reconcile the killing of 20 children and 6 adults in season of Advent where we await the Savior clothed in the beauty of a baby?

The hard reality of the incident hit me when the ripples of this carnage washed over us, especially as we celebrated Gaudette Sunday that weekend. The Mass began with its introit, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near". The first reading began with, "Shout for joy, O daughter of Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!". How can we, as Christians, find meaning in the darkest times? I intent not to answer the relevant philosophical problem of understanding the existence of a benevolent God in the midst of suffering, but I make an incomplete attempt at shedding some light on how we can find meaning in it.

Jesus' birth 2000 years ago too was bloodstained by the massacre of the innocents, as recorded by Matthew. However, find that even in the midst of devastating sorrow, the holy family finds joy, consolation and hope in the birth of the Savior. However, a Christian's answer to the problem of pain does not end with Jesus' birth. Liturgically, the celebration of Jesus’ birth in a matter of just about three months is followed by the lamentation of Jesus' suffering and death on the cross. All Christians are reminded of this gratuitous act of mercy as we lay our eyes on any crucifix, and this guides us to an understanding that suffering is not without purpose. Just as the massacre of the innocents gave way for the Messiah, the killing of the Israelite children gave way for Moses, the crucifixion gave way for Resurrection.

Therefore, in such times we ought to cling on to the cross, and be reminded that Christ's resurrection succeeded His immense suffering. We ought to know that when we bring our suffering to Him on the cross, we also become part takers in his resurrection.
Wishing you all that the love of baby Jesus will bring meaning and hope in all our lives.

P.S: I also noticed that playing with 1 month old babies for extended periods of time makes you inexpressibly joyful! :)