|
|
From MISNA by Fr. Claudio Codenotti, s.x.March 15, 2011
Dearest Friends, I decide only now to put together some lines and thoughts after
and “during” the terrible moments experienced by the people of Japan, whose
experiences I am asked to share.
As written in the title, there are sentiments that come and go, intertwining and
contrasting, depending on the news and direct events I witness, certainly not
without emotion.
Though in the dramatic footage it is difficult to see tears and if so they are
composed, in moments of solitude and reflection I cannot stop mine. Not
certainly a sign of weakness or even one-way, in other words grief, but also of
hope and gratitude – proud to be in this country especially in these moments.
There are many reasons, in each occasion, that reinforce the love, solidarity
and sharing.
Sentiments of grief: the news is always more critical… the 2-thousand confirmed
victims and 15-thousand missing. The situation of the 450-thousand displaced,
out in the cold, sick, weak and helpless. The uncertainty and certainly the
concern of what the next months will bring. Personally, there is also the fact
of being far and not being able to share in the suffering anymore.
Sentiments of hope: small scenes of solidarity, joy, heroism that go beyond
family or personal ties, but touch all indistinctly. Though it would be
difficult to sit and write about all of them, they will forever stay in my
memory and in the future I will tell you of them in conversation.
Sentiments of pride: I feel proud to be among these wonderful people, as also
part of that birth nation that continues to pour out solidarity and affection.
From both fronts I always receive lessons of life and faith that go beyond
limits of race, culture and religion.
For this reason, in the midst of so much suffering I thank the Lord for having
given me the grace to be a missionary in this land, and especially to feel close
to my Xaverian brothers, who in different ways share the same sentiments in
dramatic situations, in Africa, Asia and the Americas. I ask and pray to the
Lord that in making us feel so close and united it is always more moments of joy
and not grief that prevail. I also urge all friends to reinforce the
sensitivity, without waiting for such occasions, such as this terrible
experience of the Japanese population.
We are all children of the same Father, and let a few extra tears, tied to some
gesture or style of daily life, be our distinctive trait and testimony of a more
fraternal world.
