Heralds of optimism

In the years that I have lived in Pakistan, I have come to believe that we usually get what we look for. If we look for the positive in people and situations, it is not surprising that we meet people who cheer us up, cooperate with us and who renew us with their presence.

I have been awestruck at how responsive people in Pakistan are when we believe in them, give them credit and encourage their potential. Recently I was trying to encourage our new parish catechist to develop his musical ability by purchasing for him a new baja or harmonium. ‘Oh no thanks” he said, “I’m too busy with parish work.” I eventually persuaded him by saying how some trees just naturally want to produce good fruit and how his music talent should be shared with others. In a matter of days after receiving the new harmonium, Nazir had composed ten new hymns and seemed so much happier at his work.

During my time here I have been so conscious of factors such as low income jobs, discrimination, disunity, poverty, sickness and disease that could easily lead people to feel discouraged and depressed. The unstable political situation and fear of terrorist attacks are in their minds as well. There are a host of reasons for people in Pakistan to feel downhearted. But what is amazing is the resilience of the people. They believe strongly in God’s care and hope. This hope and belief in providence does not come from nowhere, but it is witnessed to each day in the support of their families, friends and Christian groups who are dedicated to making a difference.

The real heralds of optimism and resilience for me are the youth. Young people in Pakistan, like youth all over the world, have tremendous talent and possibility. Before Christmas I met one young Christian girl, Jamina, who lives in a poor Christian community along the side of a railway line. Jamina said that she would love to get the youth organized to present their first Christmas drama, but she was unsure how to do it. I told her to simply get a stage, and the youth will naturally do the rest. When the drama was performed using costumes made up from bits and pieces from home, one could not have seen a more touching and moving presentation of young people’s hopes and Christian faith anywhere in the world.

There are many challenges facing the Christian community and indeed the whole nation of Pakistan. But what I like about Pakistan is that in the midst of any difficulty, there is always something good and positive. Recently the parish was trying to celebrate the annual Mela, or fete, which had to be postponed twice due to the precarious security situation in the province. Eventually when the Mela took place, there were security guards posted at each gate armed with automatic machine guns. Many of us were anxious as to what might happen as we were expecting two thousand people and the Cathedral ground is in the heart of the city. Just then and oblivious to the presence of the heavy security, came three boys - one dressed up as Mickey Mouse the other as Bugs Bunny and the third as a clown. What struck me was, no matter the fear we may have, it is good to learn from our young people and look on the funny side of life.

“When we change the way we look at things we look at change.” W. Dyer

Fr Paul McMahon SSC is currently working in Pakistan

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