Prior to the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis last July, communities across the nation participated in Eucharistic processions in the streets, where priests carried our Lord out in the open for all to see. After one of these processions, a friend of mine shared with me that along the way, they passed a herd of sheep, who began walking alongside them. Further down the road, they passed some cows who were out to pasture. The cows looked at them quizzically at first, and then also began walking alongside them in procession. How incredible!!
As I imagined what it would be like to witness how even the animals sensed the presence of Jesus and followed along, it reminded me of the first Christmas. In that rugged semi-outdoor atmosphere, the sheep and cows knelt before our newborn Lord in adoration and kept him warm with their breath. Several years ago, our parish hosted a display of Eucharistic miracles, and many of them also recounted the uncharacteristic behavior of animals in the presence of the consecrated host.
If even cattle recognize our beloved Lord and follow Him, how much more so should we! The birthday of Christ our King is in just four days. Are we ready to bow down before him in homage and offer Him the gift of ourselves? Are our hearts filled with praise as our first reading proclaims? “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!…The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior…”
I can’t even imagine how the people of that time felt, those who had been waiting for centuries for His arrival. He was really here, just as He promised! The time had come! I’m sure the hearts of each and every shepherd, magi, and visitor burned within them, just being in the presence of the Almighty. Heaven had come to earth!
And the same happens to us at every Mass when Jesus comes to us, comes into our very bodies to abide in us. Does your heart burn within you? Do you shout for joy? If not, now is the perfect time to examine why, and to make a change in order to celebrate the most joyful Christmas ever.
Daily Reading
Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
Reading 1 Sg 2:8-14 Hark! my lover–here he comesspringing across the mountains,leaping across the hills.My lover is like a gazelleor a young stag.Here he stands behind our wall,gazing through the…
Saint of the Day
Saint Peter Canisius
Peter Canisius, influential Jesuit theologian, writer, and “Second Apostle of Germany,” renowned for his reformation work and compassionate leadership in the 16th century.
The post Saint Peter Canisius appeared first on uCatholic.