Jesus taking on flesh as a baby in a manger in the little town of Bethlehem speaks to “God’s extreme love for us, that he would love us so much that would be willing to be humbled in that way, in that birth,” said Archbishop Bernard Hebda as he reflected on ways the faithful can carry the humility of the Nativity into everyday life.
“There’s nobody that’s going to feel that they can’t approach that child in the manger, right?” the archbishop said to Rachael McCallum, producer of the “Practicing Catholic” radio show, for a program set to air at 9 p.m. Dec. 27 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM.
“Jesus is accessible to everybody, whether it be the lowliest shepherd or whether it be the most exalted wiseman or king,” the archbishop said.
On another note, Mary and Joseph placed their trust completely in the Lord, even finding themselves in a manger when there was no room for them in the inn, Archbishop Hebda said. Their yes to God’s call gave the world “this beautiful opportunity for us to reflect on God’s deep love for us and that call to be at one with those on the peripheries, to try to live that simple life and to recognize the importance of that simplicity, and then to embrace humility in our own lives,” he said.
Archbishop Hebda encouraged families to pray before their Nativity scenes at home and to mark opportunities God provides to be united with Jesus in humility.
To hear more of the archbishop’s reflections on Christ’s birth in humble conditions, including a deep connection with the Eucharist, tune into “Practicing Catholic,” which repeats at 1 p.m. Dec. 28 and 2 p.m. Dec. 29.
As part of the program, don’t miss part two of a discussion with Erin Battaglia about her journey with her daughter’s leukemia diagnosis and treatment.
Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, “Practicing Catholic” can be heard after it has aired at archspm.org/faith-and-discipleship/practicing-catholic or choose a streaming platform at Spotify for Podcasters.
