We too are afraid–afraid that the economy might fail,
of where technology will take us, of the declining moral standards all around
us. We see the darkness, but forget the light. God is here. Emmanuel is with
us. And that’s worth reflecting about.
After all, Mary was asked to believe that she was
going to change the world, and there she was, giving birth in a stable, riding
on the back of a donkey, destined to live years in Nazareth as a apparently
ordinary wife and mom. But she believed that God told her the truth. She
reflected on that. And the more she thought and prayed, the stronger she
became. That’s our challenge this day: to open wide the doors to Christ, the
doors of our hearts–to believe in God, to trust that those lost in darkness
will find a place to call home.
In the past two thousand years, Mary’s task has been
to bring Christ to people. Today, we are asked to do the same. When Pope John
Paul II was consecrated Pope, his most famous words in his homily were these,
"Do not be afraid! Open wide the doors to Christ!" Mary is the
God-bearer, and yet, she is also spiritually a mother to all whom Jesus came to
save. In other words, as she brought forth Christ and watched over him so she
watches over all those who spiritually are born children of God in
Baptism–that’s us. She asks that we follow her example in bringing Christ to
those who have not heard his voice.
If we can face this New Year with hope, then we can
really change the lives of our families, friends, and fellow-workers. Here’s
what each of us has to do:
1. Be confident in your faith–it is true; Christ has
truly come and is still with us and will come again.
2. Recognize your obligation to spread the Good News.
"Open wide the doors to Christ" means not only opening your own heart
to be touched by God, but also, letting people know your personal experience of
Jesus and Church.
3. Fight evil. We are not perfect. We sin. But we are
still called to fight evil in all its forms. In whatever way we can, we hold up
the light of Christ in order to banish the darkness.
4. Reflect on what God has done for you. Never forget
what Mary did–she gained strength from prayer and reflection. Changing the
world takes a lot of energy. Prayer and frequent Communion is the way we get
strength.
Today, decide what you are going to do to open wide
the doors to Christ. Don’t squander this chance. They will be writing about us
a thousand years from now if Christ delays his coming. What will they say about
you? Will they even know you existed? Will Christ be able to stand up and say, "This
person made a difference. He/she may not have been famous in the world’s eyes
but I know what he/she did and it mattered to me. It made the world a better
place, and helped spread my Gospel to the nations." Face the New Year with
joy, for God is with us, Christ is leading us, the Holy Spirit is guiding us.
Open wide the doors to Christ; let his healing love set you free, today,
tonight, tomorrow and forever ■
