Response of a Catholic to the Pontiff’s visually symbolic embrace of terrorism.
By Michael McKenna
Many a bible verse defines the gospel message of Christmas to embrace:
honour, love, respect, support and peaceful coexistence for the greater good of all
The emphasis here is on ALL humanity.
Following on from this context, I was taken aback when seeing a photograph in an article I stumbled upon featuring the nativity display during the traditional Vatican’s ‘Christmas Tree’ ceremony at St Peter’s Square. It featured Pope Francis sitting next to the display of baby Jesus lying on – a keffiyeh!
I took strong exception to this politically orchestrated inclusion of the Keffiyeh which Google included in its description:
“A popularized black-and-white keffiyeh associated with revolutionary purpose of Palestinians”
This contrived scenario begs the question:
“Why specifically incorporate this particular keffiyeh or why portray something politically symbolic in such a display”?
Why commensurate with the Pope’s general Christmas message of the virtues listed above, he allows himself to be associated with the contrived keffiyeh? He knows only too well that this iconic apparel can be associated with confrontational, violent and negative interpretations that both offends and insults what we, as Christians, believe what our Lord Jesus represents?
As a Catholic, I felt uncomfortable by the Pontiff’s handling of this sensitive situation as it indirectly inflames that which we strive to accomplish, namely, to embrace, unite and respect everyone’s beliefs, whist seeking common ground in establishing an endearing and peaceful understanding for one another.
The appearance of Pope Francis in this compromised political position certainly raised the ire of many Catholics and Christians who are still questioning the Pontiff’s intentions and the Vatican’s overall approach to world peace and understanding amongst nations. Many continue to echo their rejection of this representation with a hope that such a display does not by association, taint Christian scriptures and practice.
To underline the point, would a particular religious faith in an “act of solidarity”, highlight during a prominent religious occasion, display something highly controversial and politically provocative, particularly during the global political and religious climate we find ourselves in?
Engaging in serious discussion with a fellow Christian, he expressed, with sound reasoning and sadness, the fall of our faith, defining it as an “International sport playground beyond comprehension” being utilised as a platform to humiliate, attack us, to encourage, mock and to advance a world order contrary to our Christian beliefs. I look forward to all fellow Christians’ response to this development whilst seeking common respectful ground for all faiths and religions worldwide.
About the writer:
Michael McKenna , from Harare, Zimbabwe joined the advertising world in 1984 (… progressing to an “Assistant Creative Director 1990). His voice-overs featured on a number of advertisements flighted on both television and radio (also mimicking accents such as Indian, West Indian, Australian and others in some advertisements) , and a year later, commenced as a presenter on Air Zimbabwe’s sponsored weather report on national television. In 1990, Michael joined what was then “BOP TV”, where he continued with voice-over work for adverts, progressing to continuity presenting on television, news/sports presenting on “Radio Bop” and eventually, presenting live news, current affairs programmes and events. Michael has worked as a marketing co-ordinator for a top auditing firm in Johannesburg, following which he joined ENCA (“E-News Channel Africa) presenting Sport News. He has also worked in radio for HOT 102.7 as a News Presenter, and is currently with “Chai FM” in Johannesburg presenting an afternoon community/current affairs show as well as presenting news on the station.
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An insult to all Christians worldwide.
We all know how many Christians have been killed by the same people who he is praising.
What a sad day for Christianity.
Expanding on what Jack Milner has said, ‘What a sad day for humanity!”