Christmas Homily 2021
Homily given by Bishop Anthony Randazzo
Bishop of Broken Bay
Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral
The middle of the night is an unusual time to gather in the cathedral. Most people are normally in bed, asleep. And yet, in churches across our Diocese, and indeed across the world, this evening, hundreds of millions of the Christian faithful will make their way through the darkness of the night to take sanctuary in the presence of Christ our Lord, born for us on the altar this night.
The hour that finds us gathered here is a time of powerful meditation. Everything it evokes, reminds us convincingly of this: the late hour, the object of the celebration – the birth of the Saviour, the impact of this feast on our family and social customs (cf. Pope Saint Paul VI, 1971). To remain here, vigilant and ready, is our right and our duty as disciples of the Lord Jesus, Emmanuel: God-with-us.
These past couple of years have tried and tested even the strongest and most faithful believer. For many, the words of the Prophet Isaiah seem aptly spoken to the church and to the world:
The people that walked in darkness
has seen a great light;
on those who live in a land of deep shadow
a light has shone. (Isaiah 9:1)
The darkness of the night becomes light for the spirit.
What do we contemplate? In this great feast, we ponder the birth of Jesus Christ in the world, over 2000 years ago, at Bethlehem, David’s royal city. The narrative is well known to us. Consider once more the circumstances of the event. The wonder and awe of Mary, the obedience and submission of Joseph, the joy and delight of the Angels, the eagerness and curiosity of the Shepherds, the resolve and insight of the Magi, and the love, joy, and peace of the Christ Child.
Is there not a little of this in each of us as we contemplate the mystery of salvation as God’s grace is revealed to all people? (cf. Titus 2:11) Or are we unsettled, distracted, or perturbed by the uncertainty and disruption of our world caught in the grip of illness, isolation, and division?
The mystery of the incarnation and birth of Christ our Saviour is reflected and renewed in each moment of life. Our prayers, hopes, joys, and sufferings are what configure us to Christ, who became flesh and dwelt among us. In a moment that configuration will be renewed in a mystical and sacramental form, with a mysterious realism, on this altar. Here Christ will be with us.
The miracle of the Word made flesh, is not merely a fact regarding the birth of a child, tremendous and poignant as it may be. (cf Matthew 1:18) It is the fulfilment of a covenant of love that spans centuries, that embraces peoples, events, and cultures and that has no limitations or obstacles.
Human history, our story, be it happy or unhappy, has the potential to lay the foundation of a civilization of love if we are open in mind and heart and soul to the enduring love that God has for all people regardless of race, culture, gender, or creed.
There is a real sense of urgency in our time, that demands the formation of a holy and humble people and, above all, the formation of a civilization aware of the choice between good and evil, love and hatred, joy and sorrow, peace and violence.
The civilization to which I refer is not some secret sect or privileged people separate from the church or the world. Rather, it is a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set apart for the worship of God, the sanctification of the world, the communion of the Body of Christ. To be such a people we must first understand our vocation which is most clearly understood in the fulfilment of God’s promise – the destiny of a small child born this day – a unique and sovereign man, our King, our Saviour, Our Lord.
My sisters and brother, this is what we contemplate this evening. Today is born our Saviour - that child who is the Son of God and the Son of Mary. This is the mystery of faith broken for us in Word and Sacrament. This is the true meaning of this Christ Mass – the festival of Christmas. Our privilege is to announce to all people the Good News that Jesus Christ came for us, he is not against us. He is not an adversary. He is not a foe. He is the star that lights our path and guides us on our way. He is the truth that sets us free. He is our companion, our brother, our friend. And that means for all of us: everyone can rightly say: Jesus Christ is for me; he is my Saviour; he is the Saviour of the world.
My dear people, on this night, in this cathedral, at this holy Mass, I hope and pray that the light from the Christmas star guides you always and dispels the clouds of darkness that threaten to gather. May the star of hope light your path into a blessed and grace-filled new year.