Bethlehem, our neighborhood, the world...
Reflections on the readings for the Nativity of the Lord at the Vigil Mass (December 24, 2019): IS 62:1-5; PS 89:4-5,16-17,27,29; ACTS 13:16-17,22-25; MT 1:1-25
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
As we begin to celebrate the birth of Christ, the Old and New Testament readings invite us to recall the great longing that the Jewish people had for the coming of the Messiah.
The Book of Acts speaks of David the king and how much God loved him and wanted to honor him in the sending of that Messiah. “(God) raised up David as king; of him He testified, ‘I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after My own heart; he will carry out My every wish.’ From this man’s descendants God, according to His promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus” (Acts 13:22-23). Joseph, the foster father and legal father of Jesus, was a descendant of David. And Almighty God entrusted both His beloved Son and Mary His virgin mother to the loving care of Joseph.
Over this Christmas season, let us take time to think about those people God wants us to protect and help. Of course, we have responsibilities to our own family. But just as the Holy Family was part of community, so are we. There are men, women and children around us who can use our words of encouragement and acts of charity. And we can remember them and all God’s people in our daily prayers. When we meditate on Jesus, Mary and Joseph, let us also think about those neighbors who need our loving-kindness, whoever and wherever they are. We can thank God for sending Christ to us by looking after His other children, our brothers and sisters.
Suggested missionary action: Let us ask St. Joseph to shelter our family just as he guarded Jesus and Mary according to God’s plan. Let us pray to him that our home may be a happy, healthy, holy place dedicated to our Lord’s service – and to that of all His children who are in need.
