A
meditation on the great sacrament of love
In this year of the Eucharist,
the following meditation on the great sacrament of love given
by Peter Chrysologus in the fifth century gives
a clear understanding of the manifestation of Christ which is emphasized
in the Church's liturgy during the Christmas season.
In choosing to be born for
us, God chose to be known by us. He therefore reveals himself in this way,
in order that this great sacrament of his love may not be an occasion for
us of great misunderstanding.
Today the magi find, crying
in a manger, the one they have followed as he shone in the sky. Today the
magi see clearly, in swaddling clothes, the one they have long awaited as
he lay hidden among the stars.
Today the magi gaze in deep
wonder at what they see: heaven on earth, earth in heaven, humanity in God,
God in humanity, one whom the whole universe cannot
contain now enclosed in a tiny body. As
they look, they believe and do not question, as their symbolic gifts bear
witness: incense for God, gold for a king, myrrh for one who is to die...
Today Christ enters the Jordan to wash away the sin of the world. John himself testifies
that this is why he has come: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes
away the sins of the world...
Today Christ works the first
of his sings from heaven by turning water into wine. But water (mixed with
wine) has still to be changed into the sacrament of his blood, so that Christ
may offer spiritual drink from the chalice of his body.
Peter Chrysologus
Fifth century
Office of Readings
Roman Rite