The Octave of Christmas

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator

The readings for today's liturgy, though relatively short, are packed with all sorts of insights for us to contemplate, to ponder, just as the Blessed Mother did so many years ago.

First, we read the blessing which God gave to Moses who in turn gave it to Aaron and his sons. God did not give the blessing directly to Aaron but rather confirmed Moses' role as mediator. God then speaks the importance of the blessing be telling Moses that through this blessing they are actually putting God's name on the people (a better translation than "invoking"). To better understand the importance of this detail, think back to when you were a child and your mother put your name in your coat or another piece of your clothing; or think of how you write your name on the inside leaf of a book. You are stating that this piece of clothing or this book belongs to you. Thus God claims the people through a blessing which repeats the name of God three times.

St. Paul uses the imagery of Roman adoption to explain our relationship to God. If a son and heir has not reached majority when his parent dies, a legal guardian is appointed to watch over the inheritance until such time as the boy can claim what is rightfully his. Just so, St. Paul claims that the Mosaic Law and Sinai Covenant were our guardians. However, with the birth of Christ, we have reached maturity and can claim what is ours as co-heirs of Christ. We are the adopted children of God. Again, God claims us as children and heirs.

Finally, the Gospel speaks of the day when Jesus was circumcised and named. Mary watches from the sidelines as Jesus is inducted into the ranks of God's people through this ancient ritual. Almost all that the angel told her has come about. The angel spoke the name of Jesus before his birth. Now it is accomplished. He is called Jesus, a name that means Savior. Strange as it may sound, St. Luke is the only evangelist to call Jesus by this name.

Just as the shepherds became evangelists as they spread the Good News that they heard from the angels, we are called to be evangelists, people who bear his name. We are Christians; we belong to Christ.