Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon called for hope, healing, and unity amid the struggles of the people of Myanmar during his Christmas message.
Delivered on Christmas Eve, the Cardinal’s message urged the faithful to embrace God’s grace as a source of strength and to become messengers of compassion in a world plagued by suffering.
“Tonight, we gather not only in celebration but also in a time of deep yearning,” Cardinal Bo said, addressing the challenges faced by Myanmar and the world.
“Around us, the world groans with the weight of suffering. It feels as though the sun has set on justice, and we are walking through the cold, silent night of despair,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from Isaiah 9:2, he reminded his listeners that darkness is temporary: “You may feel like you’re stuck in the valley of the shadow of death. But don’t stop walking! Keep moving forward, because on the other side of this valley lies the mountain of hope.”
Reflecting on Titus 2:11, Cardinal Bo described God’s grace as an abundant gift meant for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
“This rain does not discriminate; it does not choose where it will fall. It pours on the rich and the poor, the mighty and the meek… It falls on you, my brothers and sisters, soaking the dry and cracked soil of your soul, bringing forth new life where there was only barrenness.”
He urged the faithful to allow this grace to transform their hearts and actions. “It teaches us to say no to the hatred that divides and yes to the love that unites. It teaches us to refuse fear and embrace faith.”
Cardinal Bo highlighted the significance of Jesus’ humble birth in a manger, emphasizing God’s closeness to human suffering.
“The King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, was not born in a palace. He was born in a humble stable, surrounded by animals and laid in a feeding trough. What does this tell us? It tells us that God is not distant from our struggles.”
He added, “If God can bring salvation from a manger, then He can bring hope to the refugee camp. If He can bring peace to the shepherds, then He can bring peace to the anxious heart.”
In his message, Cardinal Bo called on his listeners to take active roles as messengers of hope and healing in their communities.
“To the hungry, bring food and compassion. To the displaced, bring shelter and dignity. To the fearful, bring words of peace. To the hopeless, bring the promise of God’s love,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in spreading hope: “When you carry the light of Christ into the world, you become a living gospel. A new Christmas is enacted.”
Echoing Pope Francis’ message for the Jubilee Year of Hope, Cardinal Bo encouraged the faithful to become “pilgrims of hope” on a journey of faith and compassion.
“The birth of Jesus in a manger is not only a moment in history; it is the eternal call to embark on this pilgrimage,” he said.
“Tonight, as pilgrims of hope, we are called to journey into the lives of those who suffer… and bring with us the Good News of Christmas: that God is with us, that peace is possible, and that love is victorious.”
Cardinal Bo concluded his message with a prayer for the nation, urging the people to persevere in faith and action:
“Let us continue to pray for our nation, thousands and millions who are in need of healing prayer. Let us become the Angels of Good News to our countrymen and women.”
He closed with a reminder of the enduring power of love and light: “Do not be afraid. Carry the message of peace to the broken… Let your life proclaim that love has the final word.”
