CHRISTMAS IS ILLUSION HOLIDAY LETTER 2014

This catchy slogan part of a well-crafted marketing strategy, Navidad es illusion, found at the
entrance of one of the busiest supermarkets in Lima, Peru boldly and brashly proclaims the
praises of the recent economic success in once impoverished countries like Peru and Bolivia.
Previously, among the hemispheres poorest countries my adopted country of Bolivia now leads
all of Latin America with an enviable annual 5% economic growth rate. Behind these qualified
success stories, however, is the enticement and false illusion of a perilous instant gratification
and crass commercialism as crass as any of the Black Friday sales madness that afflicts the
USA at this time of year at the onset of the Advent Season. How ironic to hear about the power
of this illusionary world over against the humble message of Advents call to vigilant waiting in
anticipation of the coming into the world of the Christ Child, the Prince of Peace!
Yet somehow the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany story always manages to enjoy a longer shelf life
than todays ephemeral bargain offerings as an illusion and dream worth pursuing. Its timeless
enduring message penetrates into those long neglected or ignored parts of our lives to offer
hopeful challenges amidst suffering, war and conflicts. For that reason we as Christians can say
with humble assurance that Christmas is an illusion, that something more meaningful awaits
us by patient waiting besides bargain basement sales. Our particularly unique illusion is that the
world can be a better and safer place for all despite the news that says otherwise and that we
are all invited to build that kind of world together.
Another bearer of illusions understood in this way is the message communicated by
Argentina born Pope Francis who continually reminds us of the joy of the Gospel experienced
in encounters with the face of Christ etched onto the faces of so many forgotten and seemingly
insignificant people around the globe among them refugees, victims of epidemics like Ebola and
immigrants. This is the mysteriously alluring illusion of the so called Francis Effect calling
into question so many of the accepted values of a consumerist and materialistic society bent on
widening the gap between rich and poor. Countless people have been affected by and infected
with the same spirit of Francis to not perpetuate antiquated notions, paradigms and attitudes
summarized by his phrase, this is the way we have always done things. (photo of Francisco
caricature)
Throughout this past year those sentiments and others have resonated with my experience,
encounters and travels of an itinerant missionary existence that now spans more than forty
years around Latin America. Longer periods of time in the USA this year for a speaking
engagement at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, to Maryknoll for our Societys
General Chapter and to home in Butte for my 97 year old Aunt Mils funeral accentuate the best

side of living with the illusion that another world is possible. As in previous years, I have
found that the roads that lead me back to Reno, Nevada and Butte, Montana are just as
important as the proverbial all roads lead to Rome. Shorter or longer visits like these remind
me of the need to be ever grateful for the gifts of family and friendships. (foto scanner)
Closer to home here in Bolivia in my job as director of the Cochabamba Maryknoll Mission
Center I have had more than one grace filled occasion to encourage colleagues and participants
in our various mission formation and leadership programs to live out their Gospel inspired
illusions to, in the words of the founder of the Christophers, James Keller, M.M., truly make a
difference where it counts most. (Photo of Christophers convention)
When all is said and done we are called to hold on to these kinds of illusions, if they motivate us
to personal and societal transformations that often begin with small acts of random kindness
and generosity toward those most in need. What takes on most meaning for us in our diverse
life callings and vocations is to promote and become the illusion of a leaven in the mass, to
create new models and images of Christs presence in todays troubled world. In this way we
are enrolled in what Franciscan theologian Ilia Delio daringly calls the unfolding and unfinished
project of becoming co-creators of the light of Christ, and living witnesses to a darkened
world. What better way to celebrate the holidays of the Christmas cycle this year?