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Cuban priest Alberto Reyes urged his fellow countrymen to celebrate Christmas, despite the crisis faced by the majority of the population on the Island, where very few have reasons to celebrate.
Reyes, a fervent critic of the regime, recalled that beyond the signs this date generates around him—lights, gifts, family dinners, carols, parties—its true meaning is to celebrate the arrival of the Savior God into the world, whom everyone should follow to overcome evil and build a better humanity.
And Cubans must also celebrate the God who is light, even if there is no electricity in their homes; the God of truth, amidst a sea of lies, empty promises, and outdated speeches; the God of freedom, with prisons increasingly filled with political prisoners; the God of hope, in the midst of the same recurring question: "How much longer?"
Below, CiberCuba shares the full text of the publication.
I have been thinking… (XCVI) by Alberto Reyes Pías
I have been thinking about the upcoming Christmas
One of the qualities of humanization is to create a context for an event. Thus, a birthday, a wedding anniversary, the birth of a child, Mother's Day or Father's Day, and even the death of a loved one are all enriched with signs, gestures, and acts that enhance the significance of what is being commemorated.
This also applies to religious matters: the baptism of a child, their first communion, a wedding… these events are not limited to the simple acts that instigate them; rather, they develop in countless ways that lend them greater significance.
Christmas not only embodies this process, but it also generates some of the most significant signs around it: lights, gifts, dinners, songs, celebrations, and gatherings of all kinds…
Can this distract us from what is essential? Yes, but that can also be avoided. Nevertheless, beyond all the signs that accompany Christmas, its root and meaning will always be there: the arrival of the Savior God into this world, the decision of the omnipotent God to become vulnerable in order to unite with us and help us overcome evil and build a better humanity.
And we will always be able to celebrate this, and we will celebrate it.
We will celebrate the God who is light in the midst of the overwhelming and despairing darkness of our homes, and in the darkness of mind and heart of our leaders, who have become incapable of understanding the light.
We will celebrate the God of encounters among a people divided between those who have chosen to be free and say, "Enough!" and those who continue to defend the hand that tightens their throats more and more, having chosen to march with them towards nothingness.
We will celebrate the God of truth amidst a sea of lies, empty promises, and outdated, absurd rhetoric.
We will celebrate the God of freedom in the midst of a repressive environment, with prisons increasingly filled with political prisoners and under the threatening gaze of those who have chosen to transform this island into a prison, an immense and suffocating concentration camp.
We will celebrate the God of encounters, while feeling the pain of not having with us those we love: children, parents, grandchildren, husband, wife, friends… who have gone away for good, who have emigrated in search of a dignified life to provide for those who remain here, at the cost of living separated by the relentless sea.
We will celebrate the God of hope in the midst of the desert, the night, nothingness, in the midst of an empty and dark horizon, amidst the same recurring question: “How long, how long, how long…?”
But we will celebrate, because Christmas is adorned with beautiful garb, but it is much more than that outer appearance. It is the profound experience of a God who speaks to the heart, who supports us through trials, who nourishes hope and enlightens the soul. That God comes, always comes, and what He stirs within the soul can never be suppressed by any human chain.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas in Cuba and the Social Critique by Alberto Reyes
What is Alberto Reyes' main message about Christmas in Cuba?
Priest Alberto Reyes encourages Cubans to celebrate Christmas as a symbol of hope and faith, despite the adversities and crisis facing the country. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the spiritual meaning of Christmas, beyond material difficulties and the restrictions imposed by the regime.
How does Alberto Reyes describe the current situation in Cuba?
Alberto Reyes describes the situation in Cuba as a critical moment, marked by misery, repression, and despair. He criticizes the regime for its manipulation and control, emphasizing the absence of freedoms and daily issues such as shortages of food, medicine, and freedom of expression.
What is Alberto Reyes' stance on the Cuban regime?
Alberto Reyes is a passionate critic of the Cuban regime, denouncing the lack of rights and freedoms, as well as the manipulation and repression that citizens endure. He advocates for change and encourages the population to fight for truth and justice.
What does Christmas symbolize for Alberto Reyes in the Cuban context?
For Alberto Reyes, Christmas symbolizes the arrival of the Savior God and represents a moment of hope and light amid the darkness and challenges faced by the Cuban people. It is a celebration that invites reflection and encourages keeping the hope for a better future alive.
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