FOR my New Year’s message, I’m borrowing Fr. Terrence Klein’s reflection in America Magazine on the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” As many of you may know, this 1946 American Christmas fantasy drama film produced and directed by Frank Capra, based on the short story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern, and had James Stewart as the leading actor, became No. 1 on the list of the most inspirational films of all times.
Fr. Klein writes:
“A favorite angel makes an annual appearance in countless homes this time of year. People rewatch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life” to hear Clarence [the guardian angel] dispense rather considerable wisdom concerning the human condition. Remember when he tells George Bailey,
‘Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. And when he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?’
And Clarence, the angel, proves as much by giving George a heaven’s eye view of the world.
‘You’ve been given a great gift, George, a chance to see what the world would be like without you.’
But notice that when heaven does meddle—here in the person of the angel Clarence—the assistance given is revelation. Heaven does not come to earth to solve our problems. It comes to reveal our worth.
God is faithful. God is here. Trust God revealed in your daily life. If you live life with faith, you will see the world as it is, governed by a sovereign and loving God. And that is quite different from your otherwise limited perspective.”
It may be worth watching this movie again to inspire us this New Year. It may help us keep living meaningful, hopeful, and faith-filled lives and touch people’s hearts as we make a difference in others and the world, especially during this pandemic.
Indeed, seemingly, we may not see God putting an end to this pandemic, but we see him using each one of us to reveal our worth. Whatever good we do for others, our community and the world is valuable—life would be different without it.
It’s also an appropriate message during this Feast of the Epiphany when we remember the three Magi from the East following the star and giving homage and gifts to the newborn King, the infant Jesus. Epiphany, which means ‘manifestation’ in Greek, reminds us that everyone in the world has their worth. The worth comes not from any selfish ambition but by selfless giving of ourselves as precious gifts to others. And of ourselves in service to others, we find our purpose and meaning.
Let’s keep our vision of hope for humanity and the goodness in each of us. As Rutger Bregman wrote in his book Humankind, A Hopeful History: “It’s when crisis hits—when the bombs fall or the floodwaters rise—that we humans become our best selves.”
Again, may you have a happy, safe, healthy, and yes, prosperous New Year!
* * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *
Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.