From Christmas to Easter!

Two images to remind us that Christmas is celebrated all over the world: under the sun, in Africa and in the southern hemisphere, in the frosts of Europe and the northern hemisphere. In December the water that, drop by drop, still falls from the rock gives birth to icicles: ephemeral decoration in a cave hidden in the high mountains on the Via Francigena that crosses the Alps. Rare in this season, pilgrims gather before Mary - whose hands are placed on the shoulder of her teenage son - before continuing their journey to Rome.

A second image, a fine and fragile representation of the manger in Bethlehem, evokes the humble night during which Joseph and Mary discovered, before the shepherds, the face of their child. It must not have been hot in the cave where they had taken refuge, under the cover of a starry night. Their arms rise, a way for parents to welcome the song of the angels: "Glory to God and peace on earth". Already revelation, "Epiphany", of the Son of God.

That, we must believe! " said "princesses of” a chiefdom in Cameroon on the feast of the Epiphany. I was there. During Mass at one point, they came to the priests to lead them, by the hand, to the Christmas crib, telling them: "You must believe it, it is the son of God who is in the manger." In these days of the Nativity, we adore the child of the manger and already the liturgy, with its audacity, pushes us to believe in this Jesus who, a little later, will say to those who will listen: "our God is comforter". He will reveal a merciful Father, who feels even in his bowels the pain that life brings. In Jesus of Nazareth, we will recognize what the prophet had announced: "In him we hoped, and he saved us."

St. Paul told the first Christians that the rest of Christmas is Easter. He tells us about the resurrection: "We must believe it: Jesus is risen.” What a difference does it make? He replies, "We don't want to leave you in ignorance about those who have fallen asleep in death. Jesus, we believe died and risen, just as those who fell asleep, God, through Jesus, will take them with him... Take comfort in what I have just told you. ». Do La Vie montante, the Christian Movement of Retired offer anything else, if not to invite their members to meetings of comfort in Faith and Hope?

For example, on an outing in Freiburg, a few months ago, a group of our Movement pushed the door of the cathedral to make a surprising discovery. A chapel that houses, in their brand-new setting, three reliquary arms that commemorate Saint Nicholas patron of the city with his "hand that blesses", Peter Canisius, famous Jesuit, whose "hand writes", and Nicolas de Flüe, patron of Switzerland with "his hand that prays". A hand that reconciles. One day some Swiss came to consult him. Following the failure of their last-hour talks, they went to war. After praying, Nicholas showed them the way to peace.

Children are taught this defining moment in our history.  This is evidenced by this drawing by a catechist who presents our national saint as follows: "His hands were able to unite enemies divided by hatred." Let's look at this picture. As Nicolas de Flüe knew how to do, would there not be calmed hands in our world today, which, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, could become conciliatory, soothing?

Father Michel Demierre, spiritual advisor.