WHAT IS MY GIFT TO GOD? Although the last day of this year’s Christmastime is on Monday, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, “it all comes down” after the last
Mass this Sunday. Today we recall with great festivity the Magi’s three highly symbolic gifts by which they proclaim that the Christ Child is a King [Gold], a Priest [Frankincense] and the Ultimate Sacrifice [Myrrh, the burial ointment].
However, the time for Gift Giving is never over!
One of my favorite Christmas Carols is ‘In the Bleak Midwinter,’ a song composed by Gustav Holst in 1906, based on a poem by the English poet Christina Rossetti, published in 1872. After its highly sentimental reflection on the reality of that first Christmas: cold, dank and scarce, without any creature comforts, it turns its attention to us. Like the Magi, the Shepherds, the Angels and the Virgin Mother, what we will offer the Christ Child? Here’s the whole poem:
In the bleak mid-winter Frosty wind made moan; Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow, In the bleak mid-winter Long ago.
Our God, heaven cannot hold Him Nor earth sustain, Heaven and earth shall flee away When He comes to reign: In the bleak mid-winter A stable-place sufficed The Lord God Almighty – Jesus Christ.
Enough for Him, whom Cherubim Worship night and day, A breastful of milk And a mangerful of hay; Enough for Him, whom Angels Fall down before, The ox and ass and camel Which adore.
Angels and Archangels May have gathered there, Cherubim and seraphim Thronged the air; But only His Mother In her maiden bliss Worshipped the Beloved With a kiss.
What can I give Him, Poor as I am? If I were a Shepherd I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man I would do my part, Yet what I can I give Him, Give my heart.
THE HEART OF THE MATTER. As we enter into the last phase of the USA’s Bishops’ threeyear National Eucharistic Revival, we are all being challenged to more fully enter into the main ways Jesus now comes to us: through the Sacraments, especially the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. And since His Real Presence, His Most Sacred Body and Precious Blood, are consecrated and received during the holy Mass, and worshipped during Eucharistic Adoration, these two liturgical actions should take precedence over all others. Even a simple visit’ to the Blessed Sacrament or making the Sign of the Cross as we pass by a church in which Christ is truly presentin the Tabernacle, would be a great gift to the Lord.
So, too, would be putting more of ourselves into worship. First, of course, we need to be present in body; virtual is great for those truly unable to get to church, but it is not an equal substitute. We must also be present in mind; simply going through the motions just doesn’t cut it! [Nor, must I say, it is helpful to us Priests; one of the causes of clergy-burnout is looking at the faces of those who frown, seem disinterested or bored, or who are non-participatory!] Most essential is being fully present in heart and soul. That truly inspires those who lead us in prayer, and those who worship alongside us. That truly makes the community come alive and encourages others to join us … which is the ultimate gift to the Lord.
Conversely, once we give our heart to the Lord, the rest of us will more easily follow. Our minds will begin to think more in tune with the Lord. Our bodies will act more in tune with the Lord. We will be more willing to accept special ministries in the Parish, be they a catechetical, liturgical or social ministry. And that, in turn, will inspire more people to join us in worship and in ministry. So, in answer to the poem’s question, “What can I give Him, poor as I am?” are we illing to say, I “give my heart” as well as my mind and body, my treasures and possessions, my hopes and dreams, my present and future?
May this New Year of Grace, 2024, be a time of renewal and recommitment to the Eucharist, the holy Mass and the other Sacraments.
With God’s love and my prayers,
Very Rev. Michael J. Kreder, VF, KCHS