25th December 2025 - Mass of the dawn
Is 62, 1-5; Acts 13, 16-17.22-25: Mt 1, 1-25
Homily
At the time of Jesus' birth, the Jews lived in an occupied territory. Their country was occupied by the Roman Empire. Unless they wanted to be arrested and beaten, no one would have dared to throw stones at the occupying army. Besides, everyone had to follow the occupier's law, even if it was a stupid law that obliged all inhabitants of occupied territories to go and register in their hometown. And, of course, when this law was enacted, nobody foresaw that a pregnant woman would have to make that trip. For most people, who had already had to move more than once from one region to another to find work in times of inflation or recession, or whose homes had been taken away from them by the new occupiers, the journey was quite a long one. And, of course, the journey was made on foot, as budgets for public transport had been cut, as huge sums were needed to develop a defence system, as the Roman Empire still feared a massive invasion by the infamous Persian Empire.
Thus, Mary and Joseph found themselves in a situation not unlike that of the little ones and the poor of all times: the system could do without them and, if necessary, get rid of them. When, during their journey, the time came for Maria to give birth - probably earlier than expected - the couple could not afford any of the meagre housing programs offered by the system. They took refuge in a stable. And a new life was born, with all the hope that comes with new life, and much more.
Shepherds grazed their flocks in the nearby mountains. They were simple people: the kind of people who can preserve their dignity more easily if they are ignored by the powerful. During their night watch, they received an extraordinary message. The angel of the Lord told them that a saviour had been born to them; that salvation had come for Israel and for all mankind. And because they were practical people who wanted to see for themselves, they were given a sign: ‘This is the sign,’ said the angel, ‘in a manger you will find a child wrapped in swaddling clothes’. A child is born and this is the sign that salvation has come. The message received by the pastors and passed on to us today is that where there is life, especially new life, there is salvation. It can be physical life: the life of a new human being; it can be spiritual life: the life of a converted heart. It can also be the new life we receive in each of our rebirths, whether psychological or spiritual. All these births are signs that salvation has come.
These signs of new life are also found in the nations or in the society of the nations. In recent years, some nations that had long been victims of war or oppression seemed to have regained their independence and new life.But all new life is fragile and vulnerable. At the end of the millennium, an upsurge in violence means that the lives of nations and individuals are once again being massively violated and threatened.
Life must be preserved and developed. Nothing kills it more surely than cynicism and despair. As individuals, as communities and as nations, let us listen carefully to the times to discern all the manifestations of new life that we can find around us and in the world at large, and recognize in them a sign that salvation is present. Let us commit ourselves to defend and nurture this new life in all its forms.