Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast There is room for Jesus: a Christmas homily on what Luke’s Gospel really says
Dec 24, 2025
This Christmas homily challenges traditional nativity images, revealing modern interpretations that provoke thought. The discussion emphasizes that Mary and Joseph weren't necessarily turned away; instead, their welcoming experience contrasts with assumptions. Ricardo highlights how God enters our busy lives, finding room amid our crowded schedules. Through stories of families making space despite limitations, he argues that Jesus is accessible to everyone, inviting us to reconsider the concept of hospitality during the season.
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Modern Nativity Stories
- Ricardo recalls varied modern nativity displays that provoked strong reactions in communities.
- These examples show how people reinterpret the manger to comment on migration, war, and policy.
Luke’s Word Changes The Scene
- Ricardo explains Luke uses kataluma, meaning a guest room in a family home, not a commercial inn.
- The Gospel implies Mary and Joseph were received into an already-full household, not violently turned away.
God Enters Crowded Lives
- The nativity occurs in a shared, crowded household where the guest room is full but welcoming.
- God is born into a home that does all it can to welcome the stranger, showing divine presence amid human limits.