One of Us

Written by Fr. Ben Hawley, SJ on the Nativity of the Lord

It was 72 degrees in New York City yesterday morning, December 24. How do we celebrate Christmas Day? These are surprisingly real questions. Christmas Day honors the birth of the Savior of the World, and yet the image of a White Christmas can be vivid in our imaginations. But 72 degrees? What do I do with this reality?

The discomfort and amazement that many of us feel about 72 degree weather on Christmas Day remind us how strong the cultural associations of Christmas are in our spirits. This discomfort and amazement ask us to reconsider what we actually believe about this special day. What do I believe? How can I best observe that day?

Our fundamental belief as Catholic Christians is that God, the Divine Creator, the Ultimate Other became one of us today, became one united with us in a way that lifts us up into union with the Divinity – each of us and all of us. The person of Jesus of Nazareth is rightly the focal point of the holiday and the reality that makes my life and your life worth living, because without him- we discover- we can do nothing.

A recent meme on Facebook urged us not only to keep Christ in Christmas but also to keep Christ in Christians. What a great reminder! The baby born today is born inside each one of us. Our fundamental task in life is to see him there in me, to see him there in you and in all everywhere, and be reverent and joyful to one and all. May this Divine reality and peace be manifest in us all!

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Fr. Benjamin Hawley, SJ
Fr. Ben, as Jesuit priest, has served as Pastor and Director of Catholic Campus Ministry since August 2010. As pastor his ministry focus is helping the parish be “the field hospital for the wounded,” per Pope Francis, where people discover Jesus’ liberation and healing. He also leads a communion service each game day for UM players and coaches of the football team. Following his ordination in June 2000 Fr. Ben served as President of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School of Indianapolis until 2006. Prior to becoming Catholic in 1988, Fr. Ben worked for the Agency for International Development, the foreign assistance program of the US Government.
Email: pastorstmarys@gmail.com