+ Probably every child has been instructed at one time or another on how to address someone properly. Usually the mom or dad, or a teacher, tells the child, “Always answer yes sir, or no ma’am.”
Even a sneeze should get a proper “Bless you.”
And so GodtellsMoses to go to Aaron and his sons, and teach them how they are to address the Israelites —
“This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them: …”
And indeed what a lovely blessing it was. How nice if we all spoke about and to one another like that blessing — regardless of the faith, color, language, or theology of another. Just respect!
The letter to the Galatians tells us just how blessed we became, because of the intentions and actions of God the Father in blessing us and all eternity with the gift of his Son.
Indeed, we are told, we have ourselves become adopted sons and daughters. And all of this somehow became known to the shepherds who had an angelic chorus singing glory to God and revealing the great mystery of the incarnation to them.
First they feared, then they rejoiced; then they went to a simple birth site and discovered for themselves what the angels had told them about the child.
How did they come to understand the mystery? And yet, apparently, they did, as they went home glorifying and praising God for the wonders they had seen.
It is and was a mystery, indeed; and perhaps it proves that sometimes less said or explained is better and more!
And no doubt, in every Catholic church in the world, there is that simple manger scene for all to look at and to understand, and like Mary, to keep it all in our hearts.
