Published in the bulletin of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, TN, on the 34th Sunday of Ordinary Time—Solemnity of Christ the King.
My dear Parishioners,
Peace! The third article of the Apostle’s Creed is “Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary” There are nineteen (19) In Brief passages in the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding this article of the Creed. The following is a reflection on article 563.
While the singing of the Holy Angels on that first Christmas night (cf. Luke 2:9-14) is wonderful to consider, it is the adoration of the shepherds (cf. Luke 2:15-20) and the Wisemen (cf. Matthew 2:1, 11) which should really inspire us. None of us are or ever will be angels. Some of us are blessed with intelligence and possess earthly wealth like the Magi. All of us (even the clever and the rich) are human like the shepherds. These two (2) populations, shepherds and Wisemen are not only the actual worshipers they were, but are also symbolic, representing Israel (shepherds) and all other peoples of the worlds (Wisemen). The babe of Bethlehem is at once the Good Shepherd (cf. John 10:11, 14) of the sheep and the King of the Universe (cf. John 18:36) and wisdom incarnate. We are wise when we allow the Lord to rule our lives, living by His holy law (cf. John 13:13-14; 14:15).
That the eternal God became small, a weak infant is the central mystery of Christmas which allows us an entry into the very life of God. The Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph could (and did) hold the Lord Jesus in their arms. Because the Lord Jesus humbled Himself we likewise are to be humble before His mystery: in the Creche, on the Cross, on the Altar, in the Tabernacle (cf. Matthew 11:29; 18:4;23:12; Philippians 2:8; 1 Peter 3:8; 5:5). Only in this way may we attain God.
Some have made disparaging remarks about genuflection (i.e. its so medieval…) unaware that Sacred Scripture is full of references to such a posture of prayer, worship and adoration (cf. Psalm 95:6; Isaiah 45:23; Matthew 2:11; Roman 14:11; Philippians 2:10). We genuflect in humility upon our arrival to our pew (or sanctuary for those serving at the Altar) adoring Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament, lowering ourselves before Him who is not too proud to become our heavenly Food. So many other times we kneel in prayer, during the Canon of the Mass (Eucharistic Prayer), the Solemn Intercessions of Good Friday…
We can thank Saint Francis of Assisi (AD 1181-1226) for the popular Christmas devotion which is the Creche, depicting the birth of the Lord Jesus at Bethlehem with the Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph looking on and the animals and the shepherds and Wisemen. One pius custom is to place a piece of straw each day of Advent at the manger for each good thing done for the Lord during that holy season as a way preparing for His birthday (and His return in glory).
Our humble worship before the Lord in the here and now prepares us for the eternal worship we will be privileged to render in Heaven, joining all of the holy angels and saints
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr