Abbot Jean Burin des Roziers – Church of Sts-Pierre et Paul, Cossonay-La Sarraz, VD
It was December 7, 2024. The Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, struck the door of Notre-Dame de Paris three times with his crozier, saying: “open your doors”! And the cathedral reopened its doors, allowing millions of spectators to discover the magnificent work carried out by the artisans. Last night, December 24, another door was opened again by Pope Francis in Rome: the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The opening of this marks the beginning of the Holy Year, the Jubilee which takes place every 25 years in the Catholic Church.
What is the connection between these two door openings and the Christmas celebration we celebrate today? At first glance, there is no common ground. Yet, if we contemplate what happened in the stories of Jesus' birth, we can notice that there was indeed a kind of opening that took place. Nine months before Jesus was born, it was not an archbishop but an archangel, Gabriel, who came to Mary's house to ask her if she agreed to become the mother of the Savior. And Marie said “yes”.
From that moment on, the history of humanity changed. For the first time, the Word, that is to say the Son of God, through whom all things were made, left Heaven to descend here to earth. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. » God entered our humanity thanks to Mary who opened the door to him.
Jesus stands in front of each of our houses and knocks on the door
In reality, Jesus stands in front of each of our homes and knocks on the door. Gently, he simply asks us: “Can I come into your house?” Do you accept that I remain in you? » God does not force a closed door, he respects our choice but he would very much like to come into each of our lives.
If the Mother of God welcomed him with all her heart, this was not the case for everyone. Saint John recalls this in his prologue: “He came to his house, and his own people did not receive him. » We can not only think of the inhabitants of Bethlehem who refused to welcome the pregnant Mary into their home, but also of all the people who, throughout history, rejected the Son of God.
Conversely, many men and women throughout the centuries have accepted it into their existence. The Gospel continues: “But to all who received him, he gave power to become children of God, who believe in his name. » By welcoming Jesus into our interior home, he shares his divinity with us, he makes us like him!
Pope Francis hopes that this Holy Year “will be for all a moment of living and personal encounter with the Lord Jesus, 'door of salvation'. He is our hope. » How beautiful it would be, on this Christmas Day, if each person could listen to Jesus who knocks at the door of their heart to stay at home.
We can feel unworthy to receive Jesus, God made man, into us. This is precisely what we say just before communion: “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you. » Who would have a palace large enough to properly honor the King of the universe? But the Son of God did not want to be born in a palace, just in a poor manger. If our life looks like a place with lots of cheni, a bit like a stable, that's where Jesus wants to live. The Pope so often reminds us that Jesus came for everyone: prisoners, the sick, young people, migrants, the elderly, the poor… and you!
Soon, we will hear a beautiful communion song of which here are the words of the refrain: “You are there present, delivered for us. You the little one, the servant. You, the Almighty, humbly humble yourself. You make your home in us Lord. » When we receive the body of Christ, we are filled with the presence of God. And that is the great Christmas gift. Jesus is also called “Emmanuel”, that is to say “God-with-us”, God who accompanies us day after day whatever the trials we may go through. If the Lord became man, it is to assure us of his permanent love and presence. Remember: the Lord is always with you!
It is important to note that a door is not only made for entry, but also for exit. After welcoming Jesus into our lives, we are called like the shepherds to go out into the world to announce the Good News to everyone! Pope Francis thus invites us to “bear witness in a credible and attractive way to the faith and love that we carry in our hearts (…). Give even a smile, a gesture of friendship, a fraternal look, a sincere listening, a free service, knowing that, in the Spirit of Jesus, this can become a fertile seed of hope for those who receive it. »
We thus become pilgrims of hope, of Jesus himself who entered our world to save us and offer us his eternal life. What a gift! On this celebration of the birth of Jesus, let us let these words of Pope John Paul II resonate again at the beginning of his pontificate: “Do not be afraid! Open, open wide the doors to Christ! » He is the true Christmas gift, He alone can give us light
Biblical readings: Isaiah 52, 7-10; Psalm 97; Hebrews 1, 1-6; John 1, 1-18
© Catholic Media Center Cath-Info, 12/25/2024
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