In his letter, the Holy Father explains the significance of the different elements of the nativity scene. The dark sky represents how it is often in the dark times of life that we need to look for God. The humble shepherds remind us how it is the poor and humble who go out to greet the event of the incarnation. “The presence of the poor and the lowly in the Nativity scene remind us that God became man for the sake of those who feel most in need of his love and who ask him to draw near to them.”
On this feast of the Epiphany, I’d like to consider what the Holy Father had to say about the Magi. “As the feast of Epiphany approaches,” the Holy Father writes, “we place the statues of the Three Kings in the Christmas crèche. Observing the star, those wise men from the East set out for Bethlehem, in order to find Jesus and to offer him their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These costly gifts have an allegorical meaning: gold honors Jesus’ kingship, incense his divinity, myrrh his sacred humanity that was to experience death and burial. As we contemplate this aspect of the Nativity scene, we are called to reflect on the responsibility of every Christian to spread the Gospel. Each of us is called to bear glad tidings to all, testifying by our practical works of mercy to the joy of knowing Jesus and his love.”
And then he writes something quite profound, he says, “The Magi teach us that people can come to Christ by a very long route. Men of wealth, sages from afar, athirst for the infinite, they set out on the long and perilous journey that would lead them to Bethlehem. Great joy comes over them in the presence of the Infant King. They are not scandalized by the poor surroundings, but immediately fall to their knees to worship him. Kneeling before him, they understand that the God who with sovereign wisdom guides the course of the stars also guides the course of history, casting down the mighty and raising up the lowly. Upon their return home, they would certainly have told others of this amazing encounter with the Messiah, thus initiating the spread of the Gospel among the nations.”
The Holy Father connects man’s search and thirst for God with our need to spread the Gospel. There are people out there, athirst for God, they search, like the Magi. Some of them, are certainly searching for God in all the wrong places, but everyone thirsts for God, for God has placed that thirst deep in our souls.
And, we who have encountered the Christ, like the Magi, must go from this place, telling others of our amazing encounter with the Messiah. We have a responsibility, to speak of our encounter with God, at Holy Mass, in the Sacraments, whilst in prayer, whilst in service. We are to speak of our encounter with the infinite God, so that others may know that he can be found here. Amidst all the scandals, God can still be found. Amidst all the technological and artificial alternatives, God still satisfies. Admist all the ugliness in our world and political discourse, God's truth, goodness, and beauty can still be encountered in the traditions of our Catholic faith.
“Dear brothers and sisters”, the Holy Father writes, “the Christmas crèche is part of the precious yet demanding process of passing on the Faith.”
We do well, as we begin this new year, to identify those people in our life, members of our families and neighbors that we have a duty towards to pass on the faith. Particularly, if we have godchildren, at whose baptism we promised to assist in their religious formation. That role of Godparent doesn’t end.
The magi brought gifts to the Christ child. Well, we have an epiphany gift for every, a wonderful book by Catholic author Matthew Kelly, “Rediscovering the Saints.” Might I recommend, everyone take a copy, read the book, then give it away to someone who has fallen away from the faith or who could use some heavenly inspiration in their life. Read the book, share with them your thoughts on it, and why they could benefit from reading it.
As we humbly approach Christ in word and sacrament on this beautiful feast, may that encounter open us to the simple grace of loving him more deeply and desiring to share that encounter with others for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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