Gospel Reflections for Christmas
A Child shall lead them
We have a lot of problems in our world in this Christmas season: Middle East tensions, terrorism in our land, inter-racial tension, and perhaps problems in your family as well.
The Holy Family of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus also lived in a time of great unrest, upheaval, violence, and anxiety. Yet they were at peace. What was their secret?
The Holy Family reminds us of how we already know how problems are solved when brothers and sisters fight amongst themselves. They look above to their parents to fix things. For example, children cry out to their parents, “Make him stop hitting me!” They know they cannot find justice and peace at their own level. Children look for that higher authority to bring relief.
Mary and Joseph knew just where to look as well, to God above, but they also knew that God had sent His own Son to be with them, and all of us, into their family. They looked to Jesus for answers. Let us join them as they look to Jesus for the justice and peace we all want now.
Jesus grew up in a world of harsh Roman Army occupation. Yet He showed us the way to go forward in peace. We can summarize the advice He might give us today.
Tell the truth. If you are a witness to any sinful event, whether in San Bernadino or your own family, just tell the truth. Don’t shade things to advance a political or personal agenda.
Be humble. Don’t jump to conclusions. Recognize that it is difficult to know all the facts in confusing situations. Patiently seek the truth.
Be Courageous. Stand up for what is right and just, and do not be afraid. Muslims must especially stand in solidarity against violent Radical Islamic Fundamentalists and we must all stand together for religious freedom and respect and people no matter what their religious or ethnic background.
I am glad that Jesus arrived as a little child, since it is little children that get the most attention. We see this all the time when babies are born. We are naturally drawn to them precisely because of their vulnerability and innocence. Perhaps it is no accident that God chose to make His human presence known here precisely as a little child, so that perhaps we might pay special attention to Him. Jesus knows what to do in difficult situations.
Like Mary and Joseph, let us simply choose to do focus on Jesus from now on. He has the words of eternal life, and the way forward to peace and justice. He is the only one who can provide a Merry Christmas …all year long!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
I remember when you said, “Little children are the most selfish creatures on earth.” They are totally dependent upon the mother and make their needs known. It is only through patient, loving care that the child is moved forward on its journey to being pleasing in God’s sight. That must be what Mary and Joseph gave to Jesus.
This season of “That Man is You” suggests that we focus our sight on Nazareth and the Holy Family. There is found the prototype of Man’s potential and how it can be attained.
Thank you for your reflection, and I am wishing you a very happy new year!
Thanks for your comments. I am glad that TMIY is centered on the Holy Family. That is always a great source of insights. Happy New Year!
Father Dave,
Love your reflection and your beautiful words to focus on Jesus in all we do!!! Jesus was kind, loving, caring, sharing, humble, courageous, compassionate, truthful filled with wisdom and immense love!!! Love Jesus” words ” I am the way , the truth and the life, No one comes to the Father except through me!!! Love living Jesus’ way of living!!!” Come follow me.!!”.”Love one another as I have loved you!!”. It fills our hearts with so much love and joy!!! Love our precious Jesus and love our precious Faith!!! A beautiful New Year filled with Jesus’ overflowing, blessed love for you Father Dave and for all of us!!!!
Loveeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Happy New Year!
Thank you Fr. Dave for your wonderful commentary on “Baby Jesus”.
As babies are totally dependent on their mothers, so we too are totally dependent on God
to lead us to His everlasting Glory.
Both Tom and I wish you a blessed Christmas season and a New Year of continued insights.
We’ll see you soon!
Thank you, and Happy New Year!
Thank you for your inspiring comments. They inspire lots of ideas for meditation especially in today’s violent times. Thank you and God bless.
I am glad you liked the article. Happy New Year!
Words of wisdom and a wonderful article to reflect on in the coming New Year. Excellent!
Thank you!
Father Dave, your article is as usual so inspiring, I can only add that our world seems to be still in its infancy and all of us people need to take care and guide each to the best of our abilities at any given time on our daily lives just a child does.
Happy new 2016
JoeG
Yes, I agree. We need to take care and help guide each other in the New Year, and always.
Thank you Father Dave for all of your teachings on love and peace…
We wish you a Happy Healthy Blessed New Year…
See you in 2016…
And a Happy and Blessed New Year to you as well!
Fr Dave the three wise virtues you mention are exactly what we Americans need to practice and in particular, our political leaders. I listen to the candidates for the 2016 election and it is so sad to see that the more “popular” candidates are not truthful, humble or courageous. What has happened in our country and around the world that these virtues are no longer highly regarded in our society and throughout the world? It seems our collective moral compass is warped.
Thank you Fr Dave for being one of the few that we can look to for wisdom and the truth. God bless and Happy, healthy 2016.
I agree. I think there is a hunger among people for courage, humility, and truth in our candidates. Those virtues were impressive thousands of years ago and remain so today.
Dear Father Dave:
As always you have the best insight of all situations we are going through, however, you always remind us that the trust is in the child Jesus, Mary & Joseph and is what we need to focus on every day of our lives. Never give up hope!!!
Also we need to have more compassion for our friends and relatives that are struggling with their faith, health and problems – Need to pray more
God Bless you and all that you do in the New Year. Be Happy, Healthy & Holy. Father Joe is looking down on you with his beautiful skies Father Dave, his dearest and most adored friend.. You know how he loved the full moon and wonderful skies. He is always with you and us.
Verna
Verna
Thanks for mentioning Fr. Joe. We all miss him a great deal.