A Christmas homily in October

         This week I have been working on the community’s Christmas card for 2017 and looking for a good pithy quote for the interior. (Sr. Emmanuel designs the front of the card and it is, as usual, beautiful.)

          I like to look through the writings of the Eastern Orthodox fathers because of the transcendent language they and because they are generally unknown to most Catholics. I came upon the following brief nativity sermon which is much too lengthy for a Christmas card. But it’s much too beautiful not to share.

          So here in the middle of October is a preview of Christmas! Unlike business retailers I’m not trying to sell anything. The brief sermon gives me hope for these unsettled times and reminds me that Christ is made flesh in our midst not only at Christmas but also in every day and season of the year.

This Christmas night bestowed peace on the whole world;
So let no one threaten;

This is the night of the Most Gentle One –
Let no one be cruel;

This is the night of the Humble One –
Let no one be proud.

Now is the day of joy –
Let us not revenge;

Now is the day of Good Will –
Let us not be mean.

In this Day of Peace –
Let us not be conquered by anger.

Today the Bountiful impoverished Himself for our sake;
So, rich one, invite the poor to your table.

Today we receive a Gift for which we did not ask;
So let us give alms to those who implore and beg us.

This present Day cast open the heavenly doors to our prayers;
Let us open our door to those who ask our forgiveness.

Today the Divine Being took upon Himself the seal of our humanity,
In order for humanity to be decorated by the Seal of Divinity.

– St. Isaac the Syrian (d. 700 AD), Nativity Sermon

Sr. Deborah Harmeling, OSB