My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
During the ordination of a bishop, two deacons hold an open Gospel book over the head of the new bishop as the Ordination prayer is read. By tradition, the new bishop picks a Gospel passage to which the book is opened. I chose, "... Do not be afraid; For behold, I proclaim to you, good news of great joy, that will be for all the people. Today, in the city of David, a Savior is born to you, who is Messiah and Lord."
Those words, spoken to quaking shepherds keeping watch by night over their flock, evoked great joy. With haste, the shepherds made their way to Bethlehem where they knelt in adoration before the newborn Savior of the world.
Today, in Shepherds’ Field, there is a small chapel built to resemble a humble shepherd's tent. Inside, the chapel’s vaulted ceiling is studded with a multitude of small glass windows that emit beams of light in a fashion calling to mind the glorious streams from heaven glimpsed by the shepherds.
Three frescoes adorn the inside of the chapel. In the first, shepherds watching over their flock are quaking with fear as an angel appears to them amidst the glorious streams. In the second, the shepherds have made their way to Bethlehem, where they kneel in adoration before the newborn Christ in the manger with glorious light still shining from heaven. In the final fresco, the shepherds are back in their field amidst their flock. Daylight is breaking and the glorious streams from heaven are fading. All appears to be normal except that the shepherds are changed. One looks up in wonder. Another is joyfully playing a musical instrument. The third, a young boy, skips for joy with olive branches raised in his hands. Even the shepherd's dog, which in the first fresco is growling defensively at the angel's appearance, now seems to be joyfully frolicking with the young lad. The good news of glad tidings changes the shepherds, even as they return to their work and daily routines. Christmas can do the same for us.
With great joy, we celebrate the wonder of God's Eternal Son becoming man out of love for us. We break our routines, engage in treasured family traditions and adore the very same Christ by going to Mass and receiving Holy Communion. But soon--- all too soon---we, too, must return to our routines and responsibilities. But like the shepherds depicted in the chapel at Shepherds’ Fields we can retain the joy of Christmas in our hearts and lives.
Of the events of Jesus’ birth, Luke’s Gospel tells us that Mary, “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). May we be moved once again by the wonder of God becoming man to save us. May we treasure these things in our heart, not just in the Christmas Season but throughout the year and may the reality of Christ’s presence give us joy throughout the year.
Sincerely Your in Christ,
Richard F. Reidy
Bishop of Norwich