“Glory to God and peace on earth”
Christmas message to the Josephite Marellian Family.
Dear confreres and friends,
During this year of St. Joseph just proclaimed by Pope Francis, with profound joy, we are to start it by living the Feast of the Nativity and contemplating the Light which illumines the darkness of the world and instills hope.
St. Joseph, together with Mary, lived the time of waiting and preparing for the birth of Jesus with unique intensity. Pope Francis highlights “his creative courage” because in difficult circumstances, “he knows how to transform a problem into an opportunity” by always placing his trust in the Divine Providence. In fact, “God acted by trusting in Joseph’s creative courage. Arriving in Bethlehem and finding no lodging where Mary could give birth, Joseph took a stable and, as best he could, turned it into a welcoming home for the Son of God who came into the world (cf. Lk 2:6-7).” (Patris corde, 5)
At Christmas night, Joseph welcomes and contemplates the birth of Jesus with a father’s heart. In the manger, one hears not only the singing of the angels, the voice of the shepherds, and the wise words of those who came from the East, but one also notes his silent presence. He takes the attitude of his spouse Mary who “kept everything and pondered them in her heart” (Lk 2:19).
We need the silence of St. Joseph to be able to contemplate the mystery of God, listen to the Word, and cultivate interior recollection. And in this year dedicated to the Guardian of the Redeemer, may our life adhere ever more to the person of Jesus. The Pope reminds us that “this Child is He who would go on to say: ‘As you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me’ (Mt 25:40). Consequently, every poor, needy, suffering or dying person, every stranger, every prisoner, every infirm person is ‘the child’ whom Joseph continues to protect. For this reason, Saint Joseph is invoked as protector of the unfortunate, the needy, exiles, the afflicted, the poor and the dying.” (Patris corde, 5)
My warmest and most affectionate wishes for a holy and joyful Christmas to each and every one.
Rome, December 20, 2020. With fraternal greetings,
Fr. Jan Pelczarski, OSJ
