As we approach the feast of Christmas, I would like to share a "Christmas" story with you - it is a story about St. Jerome whose claim to fame was his accomplishment of translating the Bible into Latin back in the fourth century. This story was told by Father Joseph Langford who, along with Mother Teresa of Calcutta, was the co-founder of the Missionaries of Charity Fathers.
After many years spent in Jerusalem translating the Word of God, Jerome finished his grand project just days before Christmas. To celebrate his accomplishment, Jerome decided to spend Christmas Eve in nearby Bethlehem, in one of the many grottoes that dot the countryside. According to the ancient account, sometime around midnight Jesus appeared to him, saying "Jerome, what will you give me for my birthday?"
Immediately and enthusiastically, Jerome declared, "Lord, I give you my translation of your word." But instead of congratulating him, Jesus simply replied, "No, Jerome, that is not what I want."
Jerome was speechless. Then he began to complain and remonstrate with Jesus, asking why he had let him go on for forty years, far from home, laboring at something other than what God most wanted from him. But Jesus remained silent. Jerome started suggesting other ways of honoring Jesus' birthday - fasting, becoming a hermit, giving his possessions to the poor. To each of these Jesus replied, "No. Jerome. That is not what I want most."
Finally, Jerome protested, "Then you tell me, Lord. Tell me what would give you the most joy on your birthday, and you shall have it.
"Do you promise, Jerome?"
"Yes, Lord, anything at all."
Jesus replied, "Give me your sins..."
The Christmas emphasis on celebration and joy can sometimes obscure the ultimate reason for celebrating and rejoicing, namely, that God became human in order to save us from the wounds of sin. This story reminds us that, thanks to the reality of Christmas, sin and death do not have the last word in human history and, most importantly, in our personal history. God wants nothing more than the "gift" of our sin. In His infinite love for us - the love of a Father Who delights in His children - God wants nothing more than our freedom and happiness.
I hope and pray that, during these final days of Advent, we will be able to spend some time in our Lord's Presence - perhaps getting up a few minutes earlier in the morning for prayer or reading of the Scripture, stopping by the Adoration Chapel for a visit to Jesus' Eucharistic Presence, or praying as a family each night before going to bed. And, please consider attending our parish Advent Penance Service this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. to receive the sacrament of healing and so give to Jesus what He most wants from us for His birthday: the gift of our trust in His merciful love.
With prayers for a grace-filled Advent, Christmas, and New Year,
Sister Mary Jacinta, O.P.
Principal
