Homily

Today’s Scriptures are replete with images of those who were poor, weak, or without value in society. They are what we might call the little ones, the left out, the misunderstood, the marginalized.

Micah, the prophet, a person born into a poor family spoke of the restoration of the kingdom that was once like that of King David, a king who was born in lowly Bethlehem, the last of the family, a dreamer, a poet, and a sinner. The Psalm speaks of shepherds, a dirty occupation with little standing in the culture of the day. The reading from Hebrews speaks of the humiliating sacrifice, the necessity of Jesus’ incarnation and giving up of one’s own will. The Gospel most profoundly speaks of four seemingly insignificant people, a teenage girl, an old woman, and two unborn babies. Clearly, today’s readings set us up for the enigma that is the Christian faith, a faith when the fullness of time was present so that we would all see the contradiction and believe.

During this time of the year, many people come to Church who have not dawned our doors in some time. How are we to receive them? Are we to get upset or bothered because they don’t come but once or twice a year? Or should we welcome them with our hearts open to their presence? This Christmas, there will be many people who have some kind of poverty in their lives. Maybe a loved one is in the hospital. Maybe someone died and this will be the first time they will not be around the table with us. Maybe this Christmas will mark the first time a family member will be absent due to their wayward life or anger at the offenses we’ve committed against them. Maybe this season will mark the first time a new member of our family will be with us, either a new baby, spouse, in-law, or step-parent.

This holy season is likely to mark something different, something likely painful, or maybe joyful. This season commonly causes us to be more reflective than other times. Whether it be sadness or joy, poverty or wealth, will we choose to be loving to those who come here? Will we try to reach beyond our own comfort levels and give of our hearts our wealth to those who are poor, weak, or without value in our society? Let this holy season offer you the grace to respect and love the little ones in our midst.