 
 |
Dear Colleague:
He must have been at least 85 years old. She looked a little younger.
They both held canes and were tightly bundled. She held his hand tightly as they walked slowly down a nearly deserted downtown street. She had left her dentures at home. It was apparent by her smile.
It was contagious. I smiled, too.
I wondered about them.
It seemed apparent that they were married, but who were they? Where were they walking on this briskly cold day? Didn't they have a son or daughter who could have driven them? Were they going to be OK? -- the sun was setting and it would be dark soon. And they walked so slowly É could they get to where they were going soon enough?
Of course, I had no answers to these questions, but I did know one thing for sure when I looked at them. A friend I was driving with summed it up it very clearly:
"Now that's love," my friend said.
It was apparent. I saw it in the way they clenched hands and the sense of peace it seemed to bring to them. The way they walked together, oh so slowly, but like one perfect unit, one perfect union. They didn't talk to each other, but they knew what the other was thinking É words were not necessary. It was contentment unspoken. Pure, unfettered and absolute.
They were there for each other.
It was love.
Christmas is a season of love. So with the holidays not too far away, and as we embark on the season of Advent, I want us to think about something very important.
For many, Christmas is not a time for love, or for sharing, or for peace. It is a time of loneliness. The shorter days -- and the inherent stress that comes with the holidays -- bring out seasonal depression in some people. (Ever notice how those in-store family squabbles seem to be more apparent in December?) Others may be experiencing a "first Christmas" without a loved one, stemming from the loss of a parent, child or spouse. Some families going through financial difficulties are especially stressed during the holidays ... try telling a child why Santa won't be visiting this year.
So my point is this: Remember to be there for someone this Christmas in an unexpected way. Show your love.
Here are some simple gifts -- gifts of love -- I want you to consider this Christmas.
Tell your family members and friends that you love them. Hold their hands. Hug them. Don't let the love remain unspoken. Some of us don't always wear our hearts on our sleeves ... but make an exception this year!
Adopt a poor family through your local church or parish. Help make Christmas special by buying needed gifts such as clothing and personal items. Oh, and don't forget toys, too!
Give the gift of your time by volunteering to a charity or other worthy cause. And don't forget to spread this throughout the year. That's when service agencies often need your help the most.
A number of local organizations sponsor toy and clothing drives during the holiday season. Don't just think about giving. Do it! When you walk out of a store or mall, and see that kettle ringer, spare some change, or a dollar or two! It's for a good cause.
Help spread the love this Christmas.
Christmas is a season of love. And know that God loves you.
Felice Natale!
Lawrence Biondi, SJ
University President
  |