The Nativity of
the Lord (Mass during the night)
(Isaiah 9:1-6; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14)
Latinos have a pre-Christmas tradition called “Las Posadas.” In it half of a group takes the roles of Joseph
and Mary in tonight’s gospel. They stand
as if they were outside an inn asking for a place to stay. The other half of the group stands as if they
were the innkeepers inside. The inn
being full and the innkeepers tired, they tell Mary and Joseph to go away. Then Joseph happens to mention that his wife
is “Mary, the queen of heaven.” The innkeepers
recognize that name and happily open the door to welcome the Holy Family.
Of course, this beautiful tradition does not correspond completely
to the gospel proclaimed tonight. Evidently
Joseph and Mary did seek lodging at an inn, but they were turned down. Also, the gospel’s emphasis is on the “manger,”
not the inn. This feeding trough for
animals is mentioned three times in course of a rather short narration. It needs to be asked, “Why?”
In the very first chapter of the Book of the Isaiah the
prophet castigates the people of Israel with reference to a manger. He says, “An ox knows its owner, and an ass,
its master’s manger, but Israel does
not know (its God).” The gospel tonight shows
the new-born Jesus being laid in a manger.
There finally Israel will recognize its God. But there may be more here than that. Presenting the God-man as being born outside
a building, the gospel suggests that Jesus is the God not just of human beings
but of all creation. When the angels
sing, “’…and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests,’” they may have
in mind more than men and women but animals, plants, and lifeless beings as
well.
Today we give thanks to God for coming to show us how to
live in peace with all. First and
foremost, we follow his way of reconciliation with fellow human beings. We want to love others as God has been so kind
and merciful to us that He sent us His Son as our savior. We also care for our environment. We want to nurture it so that it may provide
sustenance and wonder for many generations to come.
