“…on entering the house they saw the child with Mary His mother. They prostrated themselves and did Him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh" (Mt 2:11).

When the magi entered the presence of Jesus, they opened their treasures and offered Him gifts.  They fell prostrate and did Him homage.  So often in this gospel we focus on what we can offer Jesus.  We ask ourselves, “How can I make my life an offering to God?”  “What gifts can I give and contribute to the Body of Christ?”  These are good questions to pray and think about.  However, in our Pope’s most recent “Urbi et Orbi” Christmas Message—which literally means his message to the city and to the world—Pope Francis helps us to see what Jesus is offering us.

“Brothers and sisters, today in Bethlehem, amid the deep shadows covering the land, an undying flame has been lighted. Today the world’s darkness has been overcome by the light of God, which ‘enlightens every man and woman’ (Jn 1:9). Brothers and sisters, let us exult in this gift of grace! Rejoice, you who have lost confidence in your certitudes, for you are not alone: Christ is born for you! Rejoice, you who have abandoned all hope, for God offers you His outstretched hand; He does not point a finger at you, but offers you His little baby hand, in order to set you free from your fears, to relieve you of your burdens and to show you that, in His eyes, you are more valuable than anything else. Rejoice, you who find no peace of heart, for the ancient prophecy of Isaiah has been fulfilled for your sake: ‘a child has been born for us, a son given to us, and He is named… Prince of Peace’ (9:6). Scripture reveals that His peace, His kingdom, ‘will have no end’ (9:7).”

What a gift it is to have Jesus in our lives.  He does not point a finger, but offers His little baby hand which can set us free!  Remember the power of the little baby hand of Jesus.  A hand that will one day embrace the cross, showing us how much we really mean to Him!

Thank You, Jesus, for the gift of Your life You offer us!
Fr. Jeremy

P.S. As we enter the new year, don’t forget to go to the Gym and check out the ministries in which you may feel the Lord calling you to serve after the 9:00 and 11:00 Masses this weekend during Donut Sunday!