A reflection on the daily readings, for the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), by Father Perry.
“And the word became flesh!”
This is, simply stating it, the most wonderful mystery of our faith life.
Throughout the ages, God entered our human history in many ways: through his chosen leaders, through the prophets, in dreams, and in many mystical and wondrous ways.
But this time, at this moment in time, God entered our human history as a human person — as a man.
He took on our flesh. He accepted physical and emotional suffering — the human condition in its entirety — even death.
Why? What was the purpose?
The fullness of meaning continues to open its marvelous significance.
In a humble baby born of a woman, he came among us and shared in the most human of ways the limitless and unconditional love of our God — on our terms, in a way we could more fully understand.
This is not about us loving God, but rather about God loving us — and it is good to behold.
On this wonderful day of family, let us pause for a few moments to be thankful.
If we can truly feel gratitude and then joy, we may have something very special to share with others.
Maybe we will be able to say with new conviction that God has been born in me, lives in me, fills me, strengthens me.
And as we share that truth, the mystery of the Incarnation continues today!
Father Perry D. Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.
