“Why Did He Do It?”
Father Peter Fitzgibbons
January 2-3, 2021
Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12
“ Why Did He Do It? During the Christmas season, our good Lord continues to offer His love to us. His love is unending. Through all the miracles in the Old Testament, He reveals His love to prepare us for the promise of our Redeemer. On Christmas, we mark the anniversary of our Redeemer coming to us in the flesh. The Feast of the Epiphany is His manifestation to the world. Did He have to do it? Of course not. But, He did it out of love. He continues to show what that love means. Love is a universal. We love all members of our family. We may not like them all, let’s be fair, especially members of my family – but I love them all – they are all family…and spare body parts.
Our Lord wants everybody to come and share in His love. His love is not just for some, but for the entire world. All people are created in His image and likeness. God doesn’t like me best because I say Mass in Latin. God doesn’t like me best because I say Mass in English. And, God certainly doesn’t like me best because I say Mass in Spanglish. God loves everybody, and He wants everyone to have salvation.
One of the things He reveals to us is who He is, and the revelation of who He is continues. Christ was a priest, prophet, and king, so the gifts the Magi presented to Him reflected God. They gave the Savior gold because He was king. Does a king need gold? No. But, the Magi acknowledged Him as God…as a king. They gave Him frankincense which was used in worship. You can read about the altar of incense in the Old Testament. The Psalms also talk about incense. The use of incense is scriptural worship. Incense is found in the book of Revelation and is a symbol of our prayers going up to God. So, the use of incense is scriptural worship, although some use a military grade of incense….it’s a little too much and can make it look as though there is a London fog in the church. Some is good…more is not better. But, it is scriptural worship. The reason Jesus came in to the world was revealed with the gift of myrrh which is basically an embalming ointment. The fullness of His love was revealed on the Cross.
There is so much to meditate on, and it all has to do with God’s love for us. That love reaches its consummation on Cavalry. His love is revealed to us each day in the Mass. We experience it every time we receive Holy Communion. Every time you receive the Sacrament of Penance, you experience the revelation of His love. This is why our good Lord came in to the world…to show us the fullness of His love.***How will you apply this message to your life? ***
Father’s Afterthoughts….I received a message from the VA the other day. I was in my office reading over the notes they send to the staff. I have 1a priority to get the COVID vaccine which reminds me that I also had 1a priority in the draft. Lucky me! Look at where that got me. Mom & Dad, they are trying to perforate your little boy!
You can read all of Father Fitzgibbons’ sermons by clicking on “Categories” and then “Sermon Notes.”