Christmas 2010

Peace and Good in Christ!

It is Christmas Eve, and it is going to snow at the Hermitage. My thoughts are filled with anticipation and peace as I settle into this rather pastoral scene of calm and excitement paradoxically integrated into one experience of the Christ Child. But the world is far from ideal, and needs the Prince of Peace more than ever before.

Christianity has now become the most persecuted religion in the world. Religious freedom is being threatened in the very societies it created and insured. Europe and America all continue down the slippery slope into secular regimes that repress religion through subtle, and not so subtle means. Despite recent progress toward freedom, China has reared its ugly head of religious repression again. In the Middle East Christians find themselves persecuted by fundamentalist Moslems, and caught in the cross fire between extremist Palestinians and Jews. Herod is still persecuting the innocents throughout the world. And immigrants are still being harassed as they flee for safety. And there is also unrest within. Disputes about politics and church are everywhere. Debates about Pro Life, Immigrants, sexual orientation and such continue to dominate the religious headlines. Religion effects faith and morality, religion and politics.

My recent activity on Face Book has been most rewarding. But it has also revealed the unrest among people in our country and throughout the world. With 75,000-100,000 people looking at the page daily, and over 11,000 formal members, I see a pretty good cross section of largely, but not exclusively Christian responses. Most of these are thoughtful and kind, even in disagreement. Unity is maintained in diversity. But division is also evident. Emotions run high, and words become unkind and cruel when a topic hits close to home.

Beyond having to regularly explain the position of Roman Catholic monastics to those for whom such knowledge is new, one of the ministries of the page is teaching and maintaining civil and respectful discourse in diversity and disagreement worthy of the love of God in Jesus. I also spend a lot of time encouraging the balance between spirituality and religion, faith and belief, and the need for both in order to give feet to our faith inspirations. There is a dangerous shift toward spiritual anarchy in the name of religious freedom today. But it historically ends by destroying the very faith we are trying to save. FB has been a powerful vehicle to address such things daily.

On this last day at the Hermitage for three months I sit still and ponder. I also look forward to the next year filled with so much promise. With two monastic books and one liturgical music recording slated for release, and well over 100 parish ministries, we will not be dormant. But we will be peaceful. This is one of the great gifts we bring to our troubled times. We also bring encouragement and enthusiasm that, like its name, can only be found "en Theos," or "in God."

I take this sacred time to think of all of you who have supported the Hermitage and the JMT Ministries this last year. Thank you for your friendship and love in Christ! I do not take them for granted. I pray for you, and I am with you in Christ. This monastic life and itinerant ministry are for Jesus, and for you.

On this most holy Christmas Eve I extend to you and your families and friends heartfelt blessings for a Holy Christmas, glorious Epiphany, and prosperous New Year in Christ, the Newborn King!

In Jesus,

John Michael Talbot
Founder, and Spiritual Father
The Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage