Now that the invasion of the Carnival jumbie in the barbaric bacchanalia in its boisterous celebration is over and the feteing and yelling, the crude licentious wining and stomping have come to an end, once more, we are faced with the morose reality of life.
Inevitably, lack of food and money, unemployment, wayward children, suicides, school fees, mortgages, illnesses, crime and time all come into focus. And the largeness of the human spirit is called upon to direct our actions to achieve our goals. Naturally, nothing is gained without pain and sacrifice, and material comfort may not be extended to unnecessary proportions. The greater the pain of sacrifice, the more intense the rewards. Yet one wonders how must one be generous giving generously from the treasure of our faith when our bread on the table is only a crust-symbol of survival.
We are aware of the less fortunate and we should be worried about their lives in which their inglorious conditions could motivate the poor to abandon all care to pursue the "good" life. And to gain sanctity towards a magnanimity of mind. To be undaunted, to remain "good," to achieve high ideals.
Happiness is the essence of human conscience. And one remains committed to contemplate on the meaning of faith, love, charity, worship, humility, trust and human relationships.
The conditions of everyday life become compass-guidelines to our existence. Man lives with himself, his family and his neighbours. In the fear and respect of his God. We are encouraged to practise austerity in the ownership and use of material goods. In this concept by curtailing impulse spending and being detached from all material wealth, leisure time, harmful habits, frivolous practices and even our own family. All this in the spirit of serving the great power, without being enslaved by temporary impediments of life.
So that everyone including the poor must be aware of the supernatural light as a governing mantle of complete fulfilment.
And despite either our riches and love for luxury or our conditions of deprivation, struggles, failings and obstacles, we must learn to appreciate before us the magnificent cross as the only weapon of conquest.
Willi Chen
San Fernando