By Fr Jim Mulroney SSC
Gifts play an important part in our society and Christmas is our biggest season of gift-giving. Some gifts are cherished and a source of great joy; others put aside with little care or even passed onto others. Perhaps it is true it is the thought that counts, but the single, well-considered thought can be worth a thousand cast in haste.
There are occasions that society mores dictate giving. Little is expected. The simple remembrance may be appreciated, but equally regarded with scorn. Ignoring the occasion can also be a source of hurt. A sort of Catch 22.
There are many dimensions to gift-giving and Advent is a good time to think about them. Our purchases have an economic impact, so we can think about where we source them. We can choose to support big, conglomerate companies or small business enterprises. And, most importantly, we can ask about the condition of the labour that went into the manufacture, rather than the glamour attached to the maker’s label.
There are some things we can make ourselves, which can touch the recipient deeply. Others can relate to an important occasion in a relationship. We can give an experience, a tour of an historic site or place of importance to the recipient.
The English bishops are encouraging an anonymous gift this year, like lunches for the needy. This is a wide-open field and we can choose a cause we wish to support.
Thought and preparation put into the choice of a gift can add to the enjoyment of the giving, as well as the joy of receiving. It does not have to be designer label, but if designed for the person on the receiving end it can be a great boost to the relationship between us.
During Advent, we are preparing our souls to welcome the Christ-Child. We are on the receiving end of this gift and that is a challenge. It is a gift designed for us by God and preparing what we give to others well can help us prepare to receive this most precious of all gifts—the supreme love of God.
Given with love and received with joy, it can truly be a combination of belief in the other, harmony in the soul, deep respect and a hefty dose of goodwill, which can bear undreamed of fruit.
This is an abridged version of a reflection by Columban Fr Jim Mulroney, published in the Columban e-Bulletin. To read Fr Jim’s full reflection, click here.