Drought, bushfires and God’s presence among us

On Christmas Eve we will hear the words of Titus reminding us of the goodness and loving kindness of our God, who saved us ‘so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life’ (Titus 3:4-7). We welcome the Christ Child, we sing praises with the angels and rejoice in their message to the shepherds, that message of hope, mercy and grace.

This year in our Diocese, and indeed across Queensland, we have witnessed devastating bushfires, the continuance of the drought that has decimated our crops and stock and caused incredible hardship to our families who work on the land and the towns that support them. It has truly been another difficult year.

 In the midst of the difficulties and suffering, there have been many moments that testify to the resilience of our people. Ordinary people support our farmers with donations and practical help. Mary Bell in Longreach prepares packages for those on the land to help them through the tough times; Catholic Education waives fees for families; Shirley Hopkins collects clothing and household goods for those in need, especially the community at Woorabinda. And many, many more. Our coastal communities raise funds and our communities are supported by our lay leaders, Sisters and priests. The ministries of the West are difficult, and those who minister often struggle as they deal with the demands of looking after the people.

The bushfires have disfigured our landscape and robbed some of their homes and livelihood. Our firefighters, police and support organisations do a magnificent job in keeping people and property safe, working long hours in terrible conditions. We owe them a great debt for their resilience and persistence.

The Christmas story gives us hope – hope that we can stand together and live our faith through all adversity and be encouraged by our brothers and sisters who generation upon generation stood up and were counted as life-affirming followers of Jesus.”

 As I travel around the Diocese, I meet good folk going about their daily lives living their Christmas message knowing that God is with us. It’s the people who keep the faith alive.

 We are strengthened by the sure hope that the Christ Child brings the Good News that our loving God gives us his grace to see us through these times of difficulty.  My prayer this Christmas is that those who are suffering great hardships will find in the Christmas story a rich source of mercy and love to comfort them. Listening to the Christmas story, may those who have lost their homes or livelihoods through the drought and bushfires be assured of His presence and grace. The Christ Child brings renewal to our spirit and raises us up.

As we pray for rain this Christmas, may we remember that God, Emmanuel is with us.