Christmas Weekday
A week prior to Christmas, our boys both participated in the Immaculate Conception School Christmas play. All of the kids in the play were wonderful and put on a beautiful performance of The Miracle at Midnight. For ten weeks leading up to the program, they stayed after school each Tuesday and Thursday for rehearsal. Vincent was very proud to receive the role he auditioned for, the mayor of Bethlehem’s assistant, Snitley, and he worked hard to memorize his lines and hone his speaking skills in preparation for the performance. On the evening of the play, he nailed each of his lines and delivered an impressive display of energy and some humor. In light of our Gospel today, I was brought back to Vincent’s–I mean, Snitley’s–opening proclamation to kick off the play:
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!
Her honor, the great and mighty one, the grand pooh-bah of pooh-bahs, Mayor Mayer, has an official announcement.
I bring you, Mayor Mayer!”
In our gospel today, John the Baptist sees Jesus approaching from a distance and makes a similar announcement, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29). This very familiar proclamation is said by the priest at every celebration of the Eucharist and we respond, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed” (Mt 8:8). John the Baptist was a great prophet and preacher; a man of incredible faith and wisdom. Yet, he recognizes his role in the kingdom of God and exactly who Jesus is. He points us toward Christ: “the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel” (31). Jesus is the sacrificial lamb of God. Would we be willing to give our lives for others? Jesus did that for us. What are we doing to proclaim this both in word and deed? As we enter into this new year, may we reflect on our role in the kingdom of God and how we might point others toward Christ. Hear ye, hear ye! “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (14a). Merry Christmas!
Peace,
Brandon Meyer