The Crib, the Cross and the Altar

One of St. Marcellin's favorite meditations focused on the crib, the cross and the altar; he frequently advised the young brothers in formation as well as those teaching to place themselves at these three places:  the crib, because of the awesome mystery of the incarnation:  God becoming human to show his love, a joy tempered by the shadow of the cross, where suffering, and even martyrdom, if not a daily dying to self, were foretold;  and the altar which renews the sacrifice of the cross but also feeds us with the nourishment needed along the way.  It can be a powerful meditation, sobering, humbling, challenging.  As we have noted, the Octave of Christmas has its complement of martyrs, St. Stephen, the Holy Innocents and today, St. Thomas Beckett
In the Gospel for today, Simeon rejoices that he has seen "the salvation which you [God] prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the naitons and the glory of your people Israel. (Lk 2:30-32 ) but also warns that this child is "destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, will be a sign that will be contradicted" and that Mary herself will be pierced with a sword of sorrow. (cf. Lk 2:34-35 ).  Indeed, all of this proved to be true and continues to be so in our own day. Our consolation, our strength comes from the final point of our reflection on the cross:  the resurrection.  The martyrs received their crowns, the persecuted have endured, and even the "little trials" have not overcome us.  May our faith be real and gutsy, allowing room for joy and suffering but always fortified with hope and the guarantee of victory.
Bro. Rene