DAILY HOMILIES #Jesus

To celebrate Christmas is to agree that God was born a man, but then, to agree that God was born a man is also to agree that God elevated a woman to become His mother at the incarnation. While it is easy for us to believe and accept the mystery of God taking human flesh, it is not so easy for us to believe and accept the mystery of Mary taking the exalted title of ‘Mother of God.’

There are no perfect families. There are only human families, and humans have flaws, weaknesses and limitations. St. Paul would say: “The good I want to do, I don’t do it, but I end up doing the evil I don’t want.” You may not be happy about your family, but do not assume your family is the worst. It is with this understanding that our readings today offer us useful tips on how to improve the situation of our families.

Hatred (often expressed by unforgiveness) betrays our Christian faith: “By this, we may be sure that we are in him: he who says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” How did Jesus walk? He forgave his killers. How are we to know we are in Christ Jesus? By forgiving our enemies.

We behave like Herod when we don’t let others shine. Whenever we hold on to power, even to the detriment of others, we act like Herod. We may condemn Herod’s action, but when we examine our conscience, we realize we have done worse than Herod in the past. How often have I felt so threatened by the success of others to the extent of doing all in my power to pull them down, get them out of the way, or even eliminate them?

As part of our Christmas celebrations, the story of John the Beloved draws us to open our hearts to love Jesus as a friend and brother. It is not enough that we eat rice and chicken to celebrate Jesus’s birth; we must have personal relationships with Jesus. You, too, can become Jesus’ best friend today.

While David opted to build a house for God, Mary agreed to become a living tabernacle for God. Humility is not necessarily thinking less of ourselves but giving God His due.

Just as the Holy Spirit produced a child in Mary’s womb, He can change your story. The Holy Spirit can make you overcome sin and incarnate Christ. Call on Him today. If He made Elizabeth conceive in old age, it is not too late for Him now. The Holy Spirit can still transform you no matter how deeply you sinned.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says to us: “Come to me all you who labour and heavily laden, and I will give you rest… for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Are you restless? Bring the matter to Jesus. There is no problem that He cannot handle.

Christmas is a reminder that God has not yet given up on humanity. If God could choose to take our flesh despite our collective sinfulness, it means that regardless of your past, God can still work great and mighty works through you. Do not despair. Do not assume your sins are too much. Return to God today; He will fill your heart with supernatural peace.

Do not let anything bother you or weigh you down. Jesus did not ask: “How am I going to attend to the whole world?” instead, Jesus started with the little that was available. Start with the little you have. God will do the rest.

As in Isaiah's time, the people who listened to him could only imagine what he was talking about. Nonetheless, as we see in the Gospel passage, Isaiah's prophecy became a reality in the feeding of the multitude. Dear friends, the message for us today is very simple: Everything God has revealed in the Bible must surely come to pass. God never fails.

Why worry when you have Jesus as your friend? You may ask: “I prayed in the past, but things have not changed?” Continue to pray. Jesus says, pray at all times. Pray not because you have problems; pray in obedience to Jesus’s command – at all times, regardless of how things may be for you.