In a recent meditation, our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, reflected on the crib scene and the fact that the order of the whole universe was altered with the coming of the Savior and that this coming was initiated in such humble circumstances. As we meditate on the great themes of incarnation, the second person of the Blessed Trinity becoming one of us in everything but sin, we rejoice in these humble beginnings which transformed the entire world and all of creation.
Unfortunately, a proclamation of the Good News is often impeded or thwarted by a non-receptive attitude on the part of so many and the message is either taken for granted or overlooked.
I ask you as you attend Christmas Mass to remember to pray for all those who have not heard the Good News, that they may hear it clearly and strongly. I ask you to pray for those who have heard the Good News but have chosen to ignore it or have become too comfortable with it. Every year as I meditate on the crib scene, it reminds me to be more grateful for all that we have been given, the gift of life and the gift of the call to love and serve our Lord from whatever vocation, occupation or walk of life or stage of life we live.
May abundant blessings of this Christmas season descend upon you and your families.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
The Most Rev. David L. Ricken, DD, JCL
Bishop of Green Bay
