By Craig Rippens, a CLM 3rd year student
I feel heartfelt joy when recalling my earliest memories of Christmas. Being raised in a Roman Catholic family our home was filled with images of Jesus and Mary. But Christmas meant the addition of luminous decorations honoring the birth of the Son of God. I often played a shepherd’s role in my catechism class’ pageant – complete with robe and crook. A child playing an angel would intone: “Do not be afraid. I bring good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” My winged classmate would then direct us to the infant Jesus represented by a borrowed doll in a makeshift manger, and proclaim: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those of goodwill!” Even as a child, I recognized the birth of Jesus as the source of joy in my family and the world. It was the gift of God’s presence.
After decades of wandering, I have returned to the faith of my youth. It began four years ago at a weekend CLM retreat. I entered a room filled with joyful singing and movement. The colorful altars reminded me of the nativity scene and candles on my family’s mantelpiece. I approached the front of the room for a healing with more than a little skepticism. Padre Paul placed his hand on my head and proclaimed, “Put on the mind of Christ!” My conventional mind dropped like a piece of ripe fruit. I was filled with joy and a yearning for Christ’s presence.
Since that event, my prayer life has matured and my understanding of Jesus’ message has deepened. I have embraced scripture as a form of worship. At times, I feel as though Jesus’ teaching is breathing within me. Luke’s gospel recounting of Jesus’ nativity includes the inspiring depiction of the Annunciation. The archangel Gabriel appears to Mary with this message, “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Mary humbly assents, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” As I allow these passages to touch my heart, I realize that the Annunciation is a depiction of stunning humility. It is the complete yielding to the will of God. First, Mary submits to the Holy Spirit and casts off all fear to serve God. Second, the son of God willingly incarnates to sacrifice himself for the sake of the world’s awakening to a life in step with the Holy Spirit.
With this understanding I see that the Christmas miracle embodies a profound celebration of both humility and joy. In this Holy Season let us aspire to the Divine humility of Jesus and his mother Mary by joyfully welcoming the Holy Spirit to heal of us of our self-will and allowing the light of God’s presence to radiate in us, with us, and through us.
Join Craig, Padre and Miraim for this
TELECLASS
Craig Email: crippens@sonic.net
