Matthew 8 v 8 includes words familiar to many, forming, as it does, part of the Roman Catholic mass: ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.’ And I must admit the idea of God living and breathing among us can seem overwhelming. When I know I am expecting visitors there are always things to tidy up, but if Christ were coming! But Christ turned the words on their head so to speak, commending the centurion for his great faith.
At around this time of year we go up to the attic, if we have one, and search out our nativity scene. Who is included? Mary, Joseph and the infant Christ of course, but also the shepherds, ordinary working people, who were invited to come and see the wonder that God had done. Later came the magi, as my grandson once put it ‘They were late, very late.’ Later, but not too late to see the Christ. So people from another land, not part of the exclusive club of Judaism. And there would have been others too, fellow travellers, the local women.
So why do we at times fail to see the Christ in our Christmas? Is he hidden among the tinsel and wrapping paper, the busyness of rushing to the school nativity straight from work?
Richard Rohr* links Matthew’s word to those of Isaiah 2 vv 2-3:
In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.
Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.”
Gracious God, in the midst of our busy lives, help us to turn towards you this Advent tide, to seek to know the wonder you are, revealed so long ago in Bethlehem. Amen.
[*Richard Rohr, OFM, (born 1943), is an American Franciscan priest, who was ordained in the Catholic Church. He is also a well-known author and has been called, “one of the most popular spirituality authors and speakers in the world." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Rohr)]
R
Margaret Watson Reverend (retired)
Former Salvation Army Officer, UK
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