By Sue-Ann Wayow
IF Jesus Christ was looking down at Trinidad and Tobago today, he would say, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.”
Prime Minister Dr Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley in his Christmas message to the nation, said he was moved with deep emotions as he delivered his message for Christmas 2022.
Although a season of merriment, persons should stop, pause and say a silent prayer as presently many are mourning.
His Christmas wish is that persons pray for peace and for others to change their destructive behaviours that hurt others which appear to be now out of control.
Dr Rowley who hosted a “National Service of Reflection and Thanksgiving” earlier this month noted that many citizens have suffered the loss of loved ones, during the Covid-19 pandemic, some were affected by the recent floods, and current economic difficulties and many families were forced to carry deep hurts, maybe for the rest of their lives, due the upheaval in violent murders and other crimes.
He said he attempted then to bring comfort to those in despairing moments and appealed to them to keep their faith in God, however, they may see Him.
“Let us continue to have faith and continue to be strong in the face of adversity as we celebrate,” Dr Rowley said in his Christmas message.
In the pause moment, Dr Rowley said citizens should reflect on the reason for the celebration with the birth of Jesus Christ, a messenger, a teacher, a wisdom master, teaching love, healing, and forgiveness, asking that people transform their lives, outgrow human darkness, selfishness, egocentricities and consciously seek to liberate themselves to a higher level.
Referring to the “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,” statement he said, “Taken literally this statement may cause hurt, particularly if one is mourning the loss of immediate family, friend or just another member of our community. The illegal guns kill with a loud report, and the after-effects kill silently even in the season of love, Christmas.”
Dr Rowley said persons should pray that God rid the land of the “repressed, shadow personalities.”
“Ask for his strength and clarity which will help us to confront and change those amongst us who will kill and those who have useful information but casually allow the pain to flow,” he encouraged.
Dr Rowley ended his message by saying, “Let there be caring, let there be peace, safety and merriment. Best Christmas wishes to everyone. May we all have a holy, safe, and enjoyable Christmas Season, from my family to yours.”
