Greg Friedman, OFM

Today’s Gospel depicts the effectiveness of word of mouth in spreading the news about Jesus. What might we tell others about Jesus? How has he changed our lives?

As the liturgical season of Christmas ends today, we begin to reflect on a weekly basis on what it means to live the Good News that Jesus Christ has been revealed as Son of God.

Mary’s prominent place in the Gospel story leads us to believe that from its earliest days the Church recognized how Mary continued to glorify God in all she did.

Whatever the historical facts behind today’s Gospel story, the message of faith is that God is reaching out to us, communicating to us the Word Made Flesh.

Our Christmas giving is meant to symbolize God’s generosity to us.  As we give our gifts–large or small–let’s be grateful that the Father gave us the greatest gift of all.

Mary and Joseph are models for us of patient expectation and openness to God. Today’s Gospel might suggest that we do the same.