Life they say in those days was full of fun, peace, love and happiness. This life has evolved over the years, from the time of the missionaries who brought the good news of the gospel to our fetish great grandparents. They said in those days the missionaries were their visitors and exhibited great hospitality of the host to their guests.
Gone were the days when these bearers of the good news were treated with reverence and awe as if they were “gods”. Have you ever thought of the title ‘Reverend’ which was bestowed on them for this distinct way of life and service to humanity?
In those days, the homes of these missionaries were treated as ‘shrines’ and only selected few could visit because of the honour bestowed on them. Many had and seized the opportunity to visit such Rectorates and Convents when sent to deliver gifts to the guests. It was all joy and the mystery surrounding the life of these missionaries was a sight to behold. Some think that they do not even eat or play or cry or fall sick or feel sad or angry or could farm like any other person. When the reality gradually dawns on the host, it serves as motivation for hard work and zeal to excel.
The dilemma remains; when did we get here? Natives embraced the call to become like their guests, not necessarily because of their long, dazzling habits and cassocks but the awe surrounding mere humans who set the pace to upholding values like honesty, generosity, empathy, selflessness, hard work and the likes. Was it a mistake then to allow the indigenous folks to embrace this new way?
Places of worship and habitats of the conductor of the worship were opened to all and this became an error. Folks could enter such places and make away with valuables without any conscience and with impunity as if to confirm ‘familiarity breeds contempt’.
One would bet his or her life to the stacks that robbery could never occur in a Convent or a Mission House, but the narrative is the exact opposite. Unscrupulous people particularly able youngsters could set a target and invade a sacred space to rob and go away without any shudder of regret. When did we get here? Does it mean that the bridge to connect the grace of the omnipotent could be broken and one needs to swim in the mud to receive grass? Curse! Curse is the man who does not walk in the path of the Lord!
How could you imagine to invade a Convent and shop as if it were a mall? Defying the order that our forebears have left for posterity. It’s heartbreaking to share such embarrassing headlines within the fraternity and to discover that many in the ministry has suffered same fate. Is this the order of the day to set our hearts at blaze to speak woes instead of ‘wows’ in the life of our fellow men amongst whom we have been called?
This got to stop! Looting all your neighbour can call his own within a twinkle of an eye and watch him speechless and helpless got to stop. We also cry, get angry, fall sick and feel sad about this modern menace. Stop it!
Stop armed robbery and let the poor breath.
By Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC
