Weekend Reflections for 12/23/16

Christmas

“The shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph and the infant lying in the manger.” (Lk 2:15-16)

In the Spiritual Exercises St. Ignatius has us contemplate the mystery of Christmas. He invites us to imagine pregnant Mary and Joseph making the trip on foot to Bethlehem, to see the road and the hills, to feel their fatigue, their hunger and thirst, Joseph’s worry for Mary. Then imagine the stable, what it looked like, the smells and the cold. Picture the scene the shepherds saw when they arrived. See yourself comforting Joseph and Mary and maybe even holding the infant Jesus.

Listen to what they are saying to each other and to you, consider what they are doing. They are fulfilling God’s plan for each and all of us, cooperating in the beginning of the human life of the Christ who has come to save us. Go deeply into your heart where Jesus Christ lives and consider what you want to say to Him in light of all He has done for you.

On behalf of all of us here at White House I assure you of our prayers for you and your loved ones. May the Prince of Peace bless you all.

Fr. Ralph Huse, S.J.