The discussion starts off with birthday desserts, sparking a light-hearted debate on favorite cakes and nostalgic treats. They cleverly connect the unassuming Bethlehem to profound themes of humility and sacrifice. A lively reflection on Mary and Elizabeth underscores the importance of love and community in faith. The show wraps up with calls for participation in an upcoming young adult retreat, inviting listeners to deepen their spiritual journey together.
God's preference for humble beginnings, as shown through Bethlehem, teaches that significant growth can arise from seemingly insignificant origins.
The connection between Christmas and the Passion emphasizes that Christ's incarnation was rooted in love and obedience, inviting believers to align their sacrifices with His divine plan.
Deep dives
The Surprise of Small Beginnings
God often chooses unexpected beginnings to reveal profound truths, as illustrated by the selection of Bethlehem, a small town, for the birth of Jesus. This choice underscores the divine preference for humility and the importance of recognizing one's spiritual poverty to receive God's grace. In this context, it is noted that significant growth can stem from what appears insignificant, much like seeds blossoming into vast plants. This theme of reversal not only conveys God's plans but also reflects the faith that believers are called to embrace, trusting in His goodness despite appearances.
The Connection Between Incarnation and Sacrifice
The readings connect Christmas to the Passion, illustrating that the purpose of Christ's incarnation was to lay the groundwork for His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The emphasis is on how Christ's willingness to suffer was rooted in love and obedience to the Father, rather than punishment or wrath. This understanding aligns with St. Thomas Aquinas’ teachings, highlighting that the true meaning of sacrifice is embedded in the love that drives it. By recognizing this connection, believers are encouraged to align their lives and sacrifices with Christ’s own as a means to participate in the divine plan.
Joy and Recognition in the Presence of Christ
The encounter between Mary and Elizabeth exemplifies the joy that accompanies the presence of Jesus even before His birth, as Elizabeth's child leaps in response to Mary's greeting. This joyous reaction serves as a testament to the transformative power of God's love, which rapidly spreads throughout the created order. The discussion highlights how joy, peace, and mercy are integral effects of true love, reflecting St. Thomas’s teachings on charity. Ultimately, this passage invites believers to recognize and celebrate the profound impact of Christ’s coming into the world through their own experiences of joy and spiritual awakening.
For the fourth and final "Lectio-splaining", Fr. Gregory, Fr. Joseph-Anthony and Fr. Bonaventure talk birthday desserts, how big things start small, the connection between the wood of the manger and the wood of the cross, and the importance of our the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To sign up for the upcoming Young Adult Retreat, find more information here! https://godsplaining.org/closer-to-the-cross-young-adult-retreat/