Cathal BarryChrist’s whole life was lived under the sign of persecution, writes Cathal Barry
Christians believe that Jesus was born in a humble stable, into a poor family and that simple shepherds were the first witnesses to this event. In this poverty, according to Church teaching, Heavenís glory was made manifest.
To become a child in relation to God is the condition for entering the kingdom. For this, the Church teaches, we must humble ourselves and become little. Further, to become ìchildren of Godî, we must be "born from above" or "born of God". Only when Christ is formed in us will the mystery of Christmas be fulfilled in us (Gal 4:19).
Jesusí circumcision on the eighth day after his birth is the sign of his incorporation into Abrahamís descendants, into the people of the covenant. The Church maintains it is the sign of his submission to the Law and his deputation to Israelís worship, in which he will participate throughout his life. This sign, according to Church tutelage, prefigures that ìcircumcision of Christî which is Baptism. (Col 2:11-13)
The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Saviour of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee.
In the magi, representatives of the neighbouring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. The Church teaches that the magiís coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Saviour of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament.
Presentation
The presentation of Jesus in the temple, according to the Church, shows him to be the firstborn Son who belongs to the Lord. With Simeon and Anna, all Israel awaits its encounter with the Saviour – the name given to this event in the Byzantine tradition. Jesus is recognised as the long-expected Messiah, the 'light to the nations' and the 'glory of Israel', but also 'a sign that is spoken against'.
The Catechism notes that the flight into Egypt and the massacre of the innocents (Mt 2:13-18) make manifest the opposition of darkness to the light: ìHe came to his own home, and his own people received him not.î (Jn 1:11)
Christ's whole life was lived under the sign of persecution. His own share it with him (Jn 15:20). Jesusí departure from Egypt recalls the exodus and presents him as the definitive liberator of God's people, the Church teaches.