Message of togetherness

JOYS AND SORROWS

LIFE is a loan and a lease given to celebrate the joys and commemorate the sorrows.

The world is made up of diverse religions and cultures, yet humanity is a breed of its own. Now amid the world facing conflict and strife, each religion has a message that it wants heard.

Monday is the date set to celebrate the festival of Diwali. I am told that the celebration of Diwali includes lighting the house with lights and lamps as a symbol of hope and blessing.

There is a tradition to leave the windows as well as the doors of every house open to seek that blessings and the benedictions of the deities. This act allows them the privilege to enter that space to bless their lives and homes with happiness and prosperity.

Diwali illuminates both houses and hearts and the primary function of the festival is to spread the message of friendship and togetherness. This is the festival of hope, success, knowledge and fortune.

Now as a Diaspora, we Indians have lived side by side despite religious and cultural divides. The Hindu fraternity is where a large part of our family and friends reside. I wish them well as they celebrate this auspicious religious function.

On behalf of the church community and my local church (People’s Church of God), I wish you a great day and despite load shedding that you will have your lights on and your lamps lit to commemorate this day and celebration.

Pillay is from the People’s Church of God, Chatsworth.

REVEREND DR CYRIL PILLAY