This is to give the greatest gift: to go out from ones self and to enter the world of the “other,” is to understand the meaning of Christmas. For this journey, there are five virtues, seen by Vincent as those characteristic of Jesus, missionary of God the Father/Mother. What he asks of us this day is that we make the gift of ourselves to the poorest of the poor.
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.
Simplicity
We are have only one aim: to make God known and to make him loved. In this, we share the mission of Jesus. In making God known, we allow people to know how cherished they are in their existence. To make God loved, we share in the unveiling and shaping of the ring of God.
Humility
To abandon our own position and safety, taking only who we are and knowing that it will be enough, because God has said so. To make the lowly manger our home, and to kneel quietly at the feet of another with washing bowl and towel. Here we find, in what the world sees as humiliation, the glory that God has prepared for each of us.
Meekness
To clothe ourselves in a humanness so gentle, that there no longer is “other.” To welcome Christ as Christ welcomes me, and to understand the bond among all human beings.
Mortification
To accept the pain and sufferings which I encounter because I have chosen this path, and to feel deeply the pains and sufferings of others, never shying away. Only then will my servie be the fruit of true compassion.
Zeal for souls
On fire to spread the news that I have heard: that once more, as of old “For when peaceful stillness encompassed everything and the night in its swift course was half spent, Your all-powerful word from heaven’s royal throne leapt into the doomed land,” but this time, to bring a liberation wrought without violence.
Hail! the heav’n born Prince of peace!
Hail! the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that we no more may die:
Born to raise those born of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Pope Francis opened this Year of Mercy calling on us to have the courage to go out of ourselves, “He addressed the young members of the congregation saying “Please do not write off the possibility of becoming a missionary, of spreading love, humanity and faith….” (Pope Francis). The song at the beginning of this post asks and answers its own question, “Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.” #IamVincent. So are you. Merry Christmas.
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