On every Christmas Day, during Mass we hear the prologue of St. John’s Gospel proclaiming the Word of God made flesh, the incarnation of the Second Person of the Trinity who became human and dwelt among us. With such a divine and grace-filled event in human history it is only natural to expect an extravagant, out of this world reception of the Son of God upon his birth. But as we all know, that was not the case — nothing of the sort! Not even at an inn was the Holy Family able to prepare for the birth of Jesus. Rather, he was born unassumingly in a stable in lowly obscurity.

This humble and demure reception of our Lord and Savior at the time of his arrival seems very contrary to the festivities usually present during every Christmas holiday. However, amid the merriment and exuberance associated with this season, there are those who, like the Holy Family, are undergoing their own set of challenges and trials in obscurity.

A clear example of this is the growing number of displaced people across the globe due to war, poverty and natural disasters. Even in such a prosperous and sophisticated city such as Hong Kong, where I currently serve as a missioner, homelessness has more than doubled during the past 10 years. Perhaps other examples might be present closer to home, such as a friend, neighbor or relative tackling poor health alone or someone mourning the loss of a loved one in solitude.

Although conflicts stemming from geopolitical issues, homelessness, illness and grief cannot be cured overnight, what can have an immediate effect is being in solidarity with those who suffer in obscurity. Even the seemingly simple gesture of acknowledging and being present to one who is suffering can alleviate some of their pain and anguish. The ultimate tragedy is not suffering in and of itself, but suffering alone.    

I am deeply touched by the efforts and willingness of the local faithful here in Hong Kong to heed the teachings of the Gospel. They strive to see the face of Christ — especially in those who live on the margins of society — not just during the Christmas season, but throughout the year. Various small faith groups are an established part of many parish communities here in the Diocese of Hong Kong. Their Corporal Works of Mercy include regular food drives, volunteer work at shelters, visitation of the mentally ill and infirm and much, much more.

My personal experience of mission, whether abroad or at home, can be defined simply as giving witness to the Holy Spirit present in every place, situation and person; especially to those who feel alone, abandoned or marginalized. Because through this witness, I can sense a subtle yet enduring feeling of solidarity with the Holy Family and their plight on the very first Christmas Day.

Nothing was easy for Mary and Joseph from the very beginning, yet being there — at the moment the Son of God, the Savior, came into this world — must have been an experience of grace that transcended any hardship at hand.

Through our very own witness to those who may be in a similar plight as the Holy Family, may we, too, encounter the joy and transcendence of the Spirit, ready to make God’s presence known through our goodwill and solidarity with people suffering in obscurity.

Featured image: Maryknoll Father Daniel Kim gives First Communion to young parishioners at St. Mary’s Church in Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. (Nile Sprague/Hong Kong)