Today we pray for all the children who are not allowed to be born, who cry with hunger, who hold weapons in their hands instead of toys. (Pope Francis)

The miracle of Christmas is that the almighty God comes to us as a child. He tells us that we must become child-like if we want to follow him. What’s more, he curses those who harm little children with their scandalous, abusive behavior and with their hypocrisy.

Do we get the message? God values innocence, honestly and vulnerability. He does not respect  arrogance or worldy wisdom. If we want to be spiritually alive, we must die to self. If we want to receive God’s love and goodness, we must give generously of our time, talent and treasure—especially to those who are most in need of our help.

The world shows itself to be most evil and corrupt when it slaughters the innocent among us. We show ourselves to be sinfully indifferent and uncaring when we tolerate the horrors inflicted on the most vulnerable—adults, youth, children and infants (born and unborn).

“Being close” (accompaniment) is a consistent theme of Pope Francis. God comes close to us at Christmas and stays close no matter how far away we wander. Being and staying close to others is what missionary disciples are called to do.

I think of St. Joseph at this time of year. He is silent (as always) but he is always close by. As the sacred drama unfolds: the trip to Bethlehem with the couple’s unwelcome reception, Jesus’ birth in a stable surrounded by domestic animals and unwashed shepherds, the bizarre visit of the magi, strangers from foreign lands, and the flight from Herod into Egypt, Joseph remains steadfast. He stewards his young wife and her holy child. He guards them, provides for them and calms their fears. 

Joseph is close to us, too, and if we let him he will steady us in moments of doubt and fear. His virtues—patience, courage and fidelity to his promise—can guide us on our journeys and lift us up when we stumble and fall. 

Good St. Joseph, pray for us. Help us to be faithful to our calling as missionary disciples. Help us stay close to Jesus, and all our sisters and brothers, as you were at that first Christmas. 

Today the Church in Louisville will formally say farewell to Bishop-Elect J. Mark Spalding who will be ordained a bishop in the Diocese of Nashville on Friday, February 2. The Archdiocese of Louisville and Holy Trinity and Holy Name parishes, will miss “Father Mark” intensely, and this evening’s Mass and reception at the Cathedral of the Assumption will definitely be a moment of joy mixed with equal parts of gratitude and grief. 

Bishop Mark has truly been a gift to our parishes. His pastoral zeal combined with his humor, his great preaching and his love of God’s holy Word have made him a treasure we parishioners cherish with much gratitude. 

With reluctance, but also with great joy, we now hand-over this great blessing of Bishop Mark’s pastoral care to the Church in Middle Tennessee. May the Christ child, and his Blessed Mother, travel with him to Nashville next month and watch over him as he begins his new ministry. 

That in all things God may be glorified!