Dear Parishioners,
In this week’s Gospel, we see how the love of Christ was meant for everyone!
When the Christ child was born, the first people, apart from Mary and Joseph, to see Him were the shepherds who were keeping watch in a nearby field. They saw a star and followed it. Although the exact distance may not be known, they were likely not too far from the manger, or at least in the same vicinity.
The Magi, on the other hand, saw that same heavenly star somewhere far away. We know it took them quite a while to follow that star, and we heard last week they had to circumvent the evil plans of King Herod and even had to re-route their journey.
So why on this most holy night, do we hear about three astrologers, who were no where near Bethlehem, traveling from foreign lands to see Jesus? Doesn’t it make sense that the God of the universe, who sent His only son to save the people He created, would ensure that everyone, near and far, knew of Jesus’s birth? Jesus’s love would not be hindered by far distance or race or cultures.
In most manger scenes, we see the baby Jesus lying peacefully with His little arms open wide. This newborn babe, likely shivering in the cold, was spreading the warmth of God’s love from the moment He entered humanity.
Those little arms are welcoming all of us — all men and women all over the world. There is no limit to the number of people those little arms can embrace. Jesus’s love has no boundaries.
The Magi certainly have a great message for us — one that’s right before our eyes. Let’s approach 2023 with no boundaries when it comes to doing what Jesus does — loving all.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Lito