REFLECTIONS ON THE WORD – 12/25/21 (Nativity of the Lord)

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Blessed Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord! Today, we are celebrating Christmas. This is the day we are awaiting for because it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. In our gospel reading today, the shepherds looked for our Savior after they received the message from the angels. They saw the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and Jesus as an infant who was lying down in the manger. When the shepherds returned, they glorified the Lord. What is the significance of this day that led them to praise God? It is the recognition that even though we are unworthy because of our sins, Jesus Christ, who is our Creator and Redeemer, has chosen to humble Himself by coming to us as a little child on a manger. Even today, He is expressing to us His humility by coming down from heaven to be really present in the little Eucharistic host on the altar. He does this out of love for us, so we may be saved. We can receive this gift of salvation by praising God, especially in the Holy Mass. 

But, what do we do during this Christmas? We may go with our family, stay with them and have vacation somewhere else. These are good, but there may be a tendency for us to think that going to Mass is optional, if not unimportant, during this day. Some of us may take this time to gamble and party and because of this, we may forget that this is the day we should glorify Him. Why does this happen? Perhaps, we do not know and reflect upon the truth that the Creator of the Universe makes Himself present at every Mass out of His mercy for us. We may not comprehend that the fullness of His Divine Majesty resides in the Tabernacle. We may not acknowledge that at every Mass, all the angels and saints are praising Jesus with us. Whenever we seek to glorify ourselves rather than glorify Him in the Mass, we cannot receive His light that will save us from the darkness of sins. 

May we always praise Jesus and acknowledge that the little Eucharistic host we receive is our Creator and Redeemer. As we celebrate the day of the birth of our Savior, may we always be reminded that our Mighty God comes to us at every Mass. When we receive Jesus in the communion, He will fill our hearts with the fullness of true joy. He will grant us the grace to be faithful to our baptismal promises by protecting us from the temptations of the evil one. By participating in the Mass with devotion, we will bear fruits of living a life of continual praise in our words and actions. And, we can have the hope of glorifying God together with Mary, Joseph and all the angels and saints in heaven. Have a blessed and merry Christmas to everyone!

Amen +

 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic