MEDITATION FOR DECEMBER 30TH

 
THE SHEPHERDS AT THE CRIB

“And it came to pass that after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this Word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath showed to us!’ And they came with haste and they found Mary and Joseph and the Infant lying in the manger” (Luke 2, 15, 16).

First Prelude: In spirit kneel in the stable at Bethlehem, and see the shepherds prostrating themselves in adoration before the sweet Infant.

Second Prelude: O my Saviour, grant that I may learn from the shepherds to follow Thy inspirations promptly and joyfully, and to labor zealously for the promotion of Thy glory.

FIRST POINT

THE SHEPHERDS HASTEN TO THE CRIB OF THE SAVIOUR

With reverence and holy awe, the shepherds receive the tidings of the angels. Animated with a lively faith, they hasten to Bethlehem to see Him for Whom they so ardently longed, and for Whose advent they so frequently and fervently sighed. They do not tarry until daybreak but putting aside their concerns, the guarding of their flocks, they depart. They are intent only upon reaching Bethlehem, to see that which had been announced to them. What an admirable example of correspondence to divine grace! When prompted by grace are we eager to co-operate with it? We should be ready to go everywhere, to do whatsoever we have recognized as the holy Will of God, and not permit ourselves to be intimidated by human respect or earthly considerations. Who could describe the faith and the devotion with which the pious shepherds adored the great God in the tiny Babe! How highly must they not have prized their simple life on beholding such humility! How dear must not their poverty have been to them! Let us thank the Divine Child for the consoling lessons He gave us by calling the shepherds to His crib. Even here our Saviour shows that He manifests to the simple and lowly of heart what He withholds from the wise and learned. Let us then love simplicity and candor, for possessing these, we may approach our Blessed Saviour with confidence, especially in the Sacrament of His Love.

SECOND POINT

THE SHEPHERDS ANNOUNCE THE JOYFUL TIDINGS

The evangelist relates that the shepherds returned from the crib, praising and glorifying God because of all they had seen and heard. Indeed, they had reason to rejoice that among so many millions they were deemed worthy to see and adore the newborn Saviour, the Redeemer of the world, the Expected among nations. In the words of the angel, that all peoples would rejoice, they recognized the commission to announce the wonders they had witnessed and to give testimony of the fulfillment of the promise made to Israel. Let us admire here the workings of divine love in the hearts of the Shepherds. Filled with holy gratitude, they desire to draw all hearts to the crib, that all may participate in the same graces. But far greater than the joy and happiness which the shepherds experience, is that which the dear Lord affords us when we are permitted not only to adore and praise Him, but to receive Him into our hearts. If we wish to determine the fruit we derive from our prayers and Holy Communions, we should note whether we are animated with an ardent desire to promote the honor of God and the salvation of souls. Whoever neglects the opportunities of promoting the welfare of souls, loses much merit and manifests but little love of Jesus. Let us implore the Divine Child to inflame our hearts with His ardent love.

Affections: O my beloved Saviour, filled with joy, I also appear at Thy crib, in order to adore Thee, to love Thee and to offer Thee the gratitude of my heart, in union with the happy shepherds. How pleasing to Thee were the faith, the simplicity, the candor of these loyal, childlike souls! How bounteously didst Thou reward them with graces and blessings! Oh, let my heart be filled with their sentiments! Let me participate in the enlightenment and the operations of grace which Thou dost so generously impart to simple, candid souls who seek Thee alone in the fulfillment of their duties. Grant me zeal animated by Thy love, that I may lead others to Thee, so Thou mayest be known, loved and praised by all in time and in eternity.

Resolution: With zeal and joy, we will fulfill the holy will of God in the duties of our vocation.

Spiritual Bouquet: “Let us go over to Bethlehem and let us see what the angel has announced to us, this word that is come to pass.”

Prayer: O Jesus, living in Mary . . .