Archives for December 2016

One of the most memorable quotes when I think of the birth of Jesus is “Christ was born in an animal trough to be food for the world.” I don’t remember who exactly said this, but it was a part of a sermon I heard at a midnight mass.

Even though we are in this season of preparation, we know looking at this image that Christ is born. Ponder this image of the Birth of Jesus and realize that God became flesh, partaking in our own humanity. Jesus Christ was born into this world, between an ox and a donkey, laid upon the hay on which they fed.

Darkness spreads throughout the page while the middle is a solid gold strip. As we gaze on this gold strip let us remember that even though Christ partakes in our humanity, he still is divine. As Mary, Joseph, the angels, and Shepherds gather around the animal trough where the invisible God lies vulnerable, let us remind ourselves of the love that brings our family together this Christmas and holiday season. If a person has truly entered into this Christmas or Holiday season, they are aware that we do not live in a world of perfect harmony. Our world is dark, broken, and many times unfair, especially to the most vulnerable among us. No matter how dark our lives may become, no matter how hectic the storms in our life can get, or no matter how empty we may feel, it is this love that we can count on, knowing that it is born in the deepest abyss of our hearts. Let the love which we receive and share motivate us to continue to love at all times, making the birth of Jesus visible for others.

This commentary was contributed by James Gumataotao, a senior Theology major and a member of the Library’s Research Desk team.

As we continue to venture into this time of preparation for the coming of the Messiah, we must understand the invitation this season offers. In this image titled the Baptism of Jesus, we see that the focus of this image is not Jesus but John the Baptist. Sink writes “Notice his hands and his feet. He moves, and he gestures in invitation, even as he looks back.” (Sink Vol. 1, pg. 62)

Here the figure of John the Baptist invites us into this season of hope. John preached the coming of the Kingdom of God; this is the message he was given to proclaim. The image reminds us of the message we are also called to proclaim: The message of hope! Hope for all people in our world. How do we proclaim this message? To proclaim this message of hope, we must be hope for others, through our words and actions standing by the side of those who are alone in their suffering.

As this season of preparation continues and we ready our hearts and homes to be in the spirt of the season, we must also remember that the hope we celebrate is not meant just for us to keep. This hope is meant for us to give, just like the message which John proclaimed. Yet, this image is also a reminder for us that in this time of preparation, we must remind ourselves of the hope that lies within us.

The “Baptism of Jesus” illumination will be featured in a Visio Divina session on Wednesday, December 7, at 12:45 p.m. in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. This Advent prayer opportunity is sponsored by Campus Ministry and the Garaventa Center.

This commentary was contributed by James Gumataotao, a senior Theology major and a member of the Library’s Research Desk team.