Christmas Homily “Who Do We Follow?”
Christmas Homily “Who Do We Follow?”
When we read the Gospels for Christmas, we probably feel the story concerns one person. But really the story we reflect on involves two people. And the story challenges us to decide what kind of savior we come to worship at Christmas. Jesus taught with parables.
Perhaps a little parable might help us understand:
Once there were two boys who lived in the same neighborhood. One boy was named Gus. The other was named J.C. Both boys were considered leaders in the neighborhood, but for different reasons.
Gus was feared by all the other teens in the neighborhood. His father was mayor of the city the children lived in. Gus’ family had a lot of money. He had the biggest and the best toys. If he got in trouble around the neighborhood his father quickly took care of the problem with the people who were injured. Gus was never in trouble long. Gus was big. He was strong. He stood a head taller than most of the boys his age. Anyone knew if they crossed Gus, he would beat them up. Because of all this the teenagers of the neighborhood lived in fear.
Gus controlled the games the teens played in the neighborhood. If he wanted to play football everyone played football. If he wanted to play basketball, then everyone played basketball. If there was a fight in the neighborhood Gus would step in between to break it up. Or he would simply let the blows land. The other children did not like Gus, but because there was order in the neighborhood, they thought things were all right. Fear and intimidation were the motivation for everyone to get along.
In the same neighborhood there was another boy named J.C. He came from a poor family. His father was a carpenter. J.C. was of moderate build. He was honest. He was respectful of everyone. When games were played, he tried to abide by the rules. He tried to stick up for those who were smaller.
When there was a fight and fists were flying, if Gus were not around J.C. would step in between the combatants. He would try to reason with the people fighting. At times he would absorb the blows rather than let others get hurt. The children who were mad might be convinced by J.C.’s appeals for peace. If they struck him, they were usually ashamed of hitting someone who was just trying to help.
J.C. would talk about a day that was coming when people would not be afraid anymore, a day when truth would reign, rights would be respected, everyone would have enough money to buy the necessities of life, and violence wouldn’t be used to solve problems. He spoke about a kingdom that would come, God’s kingdom. J.C seemed like he had his head in the clouds. Many children in the neighborhood were attracted to Gus. Some liked the philosophy of J.C. The two boys presented a choice, a choice we can all make.
The story we reflect on at Christmas is about two men. One of them was Augustus Caesar who was the Roman Emperor from 27 B.C. until 14 A.D. He was the great nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar. After Julius Caesar’s death Augustus fought for control of the Roman Empire. He managed to become emperor. He was given various titles that were inscribed on Roman coins and monuments. He was called the Lord, Savior of the World, Son of God, Ruler of the Universe, Prince of Peace. If those titles sound familiar they should. The Gospel writers used all of them to describe Jesus Christ.
Caesar Augustus’ peace came about because of his armies. If anyone crossed him. He crushed them. Because of his power there was what was called the “Peace of Rome” commerce could take place. Law and Order was maintained. Society was stable. People appreciated the Peace of Rome, but they also resented it.
The other person in Luke’s story was Jesus. Luke was very aware that he was contrasting the worldly empire of Rome with the Kingdom Jesus came to initiate. The system Augustus advocated was all about victory. In his system there are definite winners and losers. The object of life according to Caesar was to align yourself with the winners. Jesus’ system in contrast was about justice. The justice that Jesus always preached was tempered by mercy.
The readers of Luke’s gospel knew the choice they were being presented with. We might not be so attuned with what the birth of Jesus meant to people long ago. With all the tinsel, the present, the partying we can lose the gist of the message of Christmas. Jesus offered liberation from fear. We are being offered true peace. But we must make the choice to follow the real Prince of Peace each day. We remember today that true peace can only be achieved if people listen to the truth. True security only comes with justice. Jesus shows us the way. Can we follow?
Reflection Questions:
- How do I feel about worldly values versus of Gus? Am I more at home with worldly values or with the conduct of Jesus?
- Am I a peace maker in my home? How do I bring about tranquility in my family life?
Dear Parishioners,
I wish you all a Merry Christmas. Fr. Matthew and I appreciate all the good wishes we have received. You have all been very kind to us. Our Christmas celebration will be somewhat muted this year. There will be less music and less processions, etc. All this is the case because of COVID. Let’s not let the pandemic be the grinch that stole Christmas. The meaning is still the same. Jesus came to dwell with us and show us the way to live life in the Kingdom.
There will be no post tomorrow. I am having a day of rest and giving you a day of rest as well.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over our celebration.
Fr. Mark