In the season of Advent and Christmas we want to step back from the busyness of the world and contemplate the true meaning of this great feast: the Love of God comes to us in person, as a little Child. He takes our sins upon Himself and dies for our salvation. Unlike the angels, who in their trial decided once and for all eternity either for or against God, man is ever again in need of those redeeming words, “And I absolve you from your sins…go in peace.” Since the angels can no longer sin, in comparison to us they are the clearer reflection, the brighter light, the ones nearer to God, being already perfected in blessedness. But we have something the angels do not have; we have the privilege to receive into ourselves the Flesh and Blood of Christ, transformed from bread and wine. How near we come to Jesus and His work of Redemption! Here the angel must step back in awe.

Nevertheless, if we are to accompany Jesus in His Incarnation and work of Redemption we must be united with the angels in this: in the will to fulfill unconditionally the will of God. The angel clearly recognizes God’s will, but we are blinded by sin and doubt. We doubt not only the way we should walk, but even the word of God, His love and Providence. We doubt the good will of other men, their sincerity and goodness. This kind of doubt is divisive and weakens our defenses against the true enemy of God’s Kingdom. Instead, with the fidelity and love of Mary, we wish to work together, each with his own gifts, united with the angels in the building up of the Kingdom of God. Some work with the light of truth in, for example, the media, politics or schools. Some work with the burning love of charitable works which disarms the selfish of this world and invites them to open their hearts in mercy. Others are called to fight with prayer, interiority and self-sacrifice, making expiation for the sins of many.

Whatever our call it is Jesus, the Word made flesh, who gives us the grace, so long as we remain united with Him and with one another in love. We receive this love and grace every time we approach the altar for Holy Communion. With the living faith of Mary, who received the Word of God in her womb at the Incarnation, we pronounce our “fiat”, our “Amen”, to the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Like Mary, who carried Jesus in her womb for nine months, we wish to carry Jesus wherever we go, to our work places and in the family, radiating the saving presence and love of God to all we meet. May God bless you all abundantly in this Christmas season and lead you by His holy angels through the joys and trials of the New Year!