Xmas Eve at St Anges was glorious in Tamoul, Franch and English plus Santa Clause. We heard today from two young Indian women vacationers - IT and outsourceing industry in Banglore - that midnight mass is so popular that three (or more) languages in sequence is the norm for delivery - folks bring their own bible for the "foreign" parts. Indeed my Xmas Eve experience was greatly enhanced by sharing a trilingual song sheet with various worshippers.
Back to St Anges this afternoon for some quiet reflection. Followed the 12 panel bas-relief recreation of the crucification. Jésus chargé de sa croix ... il tombe pour la premiere fois ... dépouillé de ses vêtements ... et ... en fin ... attaché ...
I felt the man's pain for the first time.
Yet I marvel at the intimacy and frankness of Hinduism. We Christians are driven by a magnificent 2000 year old example of love and courage. Hindus seem to be recreating the pantheon of spiritual relationships everyday.
