St. Francis of Assisi was repulsed by people who suffered from leprosy. They were shunned by society and, before his deeper conversion to Christ, he didn’t even like seeing them from a distance. But early in his awakening to Christ’s call he was riding on his horse and saw a leper begging. Something (maybe God’s voice) inside him told him to dismount and give the leper money. Not only did he do this, but he also kissed the beggar’s hand. Over the following days/weeks he found himself going among lepers and sharing his wealth and taking a deep interest in them as children of God.
He later reported that when this conversion happened, all the things that previously had seemed bitter to him became sweet!
This may be the most famous of his conversion experiences. Love won in Francis’ heart.
Christmas comes at the peak of Winter, a cold and damp time. Darkness is longer and even the animals retire to dens in the earth or migrate. Growth slows and vegetation gives less. And yet, a light shines in this darkness, a child is born. Born in a time and place where the ruler is dishonest. He tells the wise men that he wants to pay tribute to this child-king but he is lying.
The child will grow to restore the kingdom (or kindom) where love always wins, it heals and unites. It brings hope and light. Light in the darkness, and even the darkness of death. Christ will conquer death. Love wins again!
Brothers and sisters, our earth seems dark again. It is terribly out of balance as we convert more and more of its resources to waste. The poor, those with the least resources and protection suffer most.
Our country is giving up on the hope and promise of democracy “…to create a more perfect union.” Many of those in power sow seeds of mistrust and cynicism seeking to deny participation and dignity to all.
Often our media puts profit and advertising above God’s love. “Love” too often refers to objects. We create an idolatry of material things and this troubles and hardens our hearts. The love of family is threatened. Men often walk away from the mother of their children leaving her alone to choose life and the raising children.
But the truth shall reign supreme brothers and sisters! The light will cast out darkness and love will win again. For, if Christ was born of the Virgin Mother, if Jesus was and truly is the Son of God our Creator and if he did in-fact rise from the grave then there is joy indeed! And the joy we celebrate is a joy for 365 days. It is for all time and especially when we encounter darkness, fear or lies. Love will always win. When bitterness or anger arise, we must, like St. Francis, feel the love of God and our brothers and sisters in our heart and live from that place of strength.
As we move into a new year let us be inspired and amazed as science and a great telescope show us the glory of our universe but let us also be chastened and firm in our efforts to heal our planet- to live more simply and with charity. We must also be prudent in our daily interactions with each other. The viruses of misinformation, false witness and Covid require that we be attentive and caring.
This is how the kingdom comes! This is how what seemed bitter becomes sweet. It is how light conquers darkness. And it is how Love wins and reigns supreme!
Wishing and praying you all have a safe a blessed Christmas and 2022,
Fr. Bill & Staff