Jerry Lohera sits with villagers in Bawerlo just after finishing the mass to watch the sunset. An essential work in the ministry to the Parkari Kohli is the visit to the villages. Photo: Pakistan Mission Unit.
Not only tough, but it could potentially be the feeling of God's absence here in the Land of the Pure that convinced many missionaries to leave over the passing years. Over my four years here, it has become clear how fragile and uncertain things are socio-politically and economically, not to mention peace and order in general.
Inflation rates continue to rise in an unprecedented way, which means the poor become much poorer. The government's basic human development programs and services remain almost non-existent, heavily politicised, and corrupt. Having been able to experience firsthand the compounded effects of poor governance and the appalling gap between the rich and the poor, and the politicians and ordinary people, is beyond words to bear.
In this Islamic country, as foreign missionary priests, we can be easily identified as proselytisers and a potential threat to the system that subjects and opts children to remain illiterate. On the other hand, for local Christians, they could see us as having plenty of money and therefore develop a sense of unhealthy dependency, and faith formation becomes secondary.
Fr Jerry is offering the funeral prayer service for the bereaved family following the death of the newborn baby. Photo: Fr. Jerry Lohera
This is not a place for the fainthearted, and yet the challenge to be a voice of hope and the bearer of joy of the disciples who first witnessed the appearance of the Resurrected Lord could be easily snatched away due to the intermingling of complexities.
Sometimes, I can be utterly disappointed with the system that already infiltrates the very Pakistani psyche and ways of doing things here, including in the Catholic Church. I have to constantly remind myself of the mystery of faith we proclaim in the Holy Eucharist: "Christ has died, Christ has risen and Christ will come again." However, in the present, I have to remind myself always that "God is incarnate and dwelt amongst us" (John 1:14) and journeys with us in this earthly life delightfully and faithfully (Mt. 28:20).
There are flickers of hope when meeting children and youth who have the enthusiasm to learn the heart of our faith and who study hard to have a better future; from a couple who try to pass on their faith to their children by their good examples, and from a man who faithfully does the cleaning of the church voluntarily. I need to be mindful to see these small things happening; they are little inspirations that help me to carry on.
Columban Fr. Jerry Lohera lives and works in Pakistan.
Related links
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