Our parish Christmas dinner was this past Saturday. I was graciously invited to be part of the night’s entertainment, but that meant I had to memorize some songs. Memorizing lyrics is not my strength. The only manner I could do this was constant repetition of saying or singing the words. As I went through this process, there was a line in O Holy Night that kept getting my attention. My mind kept going to this short phrase and I started reflecting on it. Much like you do in a Lectio Divina practice.
In all our trials, born to be our friend is the lyrical phrase I couldn’t let go of. This newborn baby was going to be our friend. In all our trials? I hold Jesus in the highest esteem in my life. Although, it makes sense to define Him as such, I don’t know that the term “friend” would be one of my “go to” titles for Him. King, Lord, Messiah, Savior, Christ, those titles for Jesus are common in my vocabulary.
As a calendar year comes to a close, I start reflecting on all the events that occurred in the past twelve months. I’m sure most of us do this. 2024 offered many beautiful moments, but also some trials. I started the year still battling the effects of some rigorous cancer treatment. My mother passed away in May. There was much beauty in Mom’s death. God was actually answering Mom’s prayerful desire to go home and be with Dad. But still, she is no longer with us and is greatly missed. In September, I lost my younger brother Tony to Glioblastoma. This was a shock, and no one could have prepared for it. My siblings and I are still heartbroken and healing from this loss. That is two voids in our living family tree in a matter of months. Trials for sure.
That’s when I started thinking about how I am navigating these rough waters. I can’t do it myself, and no one should ever try to. I needed my friends. I needed my best friend, Jesus. He is always there. I never hear Him say, not today, I don’t have time. Or, I can get you in early next week. Or, the half committed, let’s do lunch sometime. No, Jesus is there right now, fully attentive to my needs. He truly is my best friend. Always present.
Recognizing our Lord’s presence is both challenging and rewarding. He comes to us in so many ways. If we are expecting to hear the choirs of angels from heaven or a deep thunderous voice from above, we might be disappointed or be waiting a long time. Jesus is subtle, soft spoken and ingenious how He makes Himself known. Many who are part of our Father Carr’s community are looking hard for Jesus. Once they understand that He is always right by their side, a thrill of hope touches them deeply. They have found their best Friend. I know I have found mine.
May the blessings of baby Jesus be with all of you this Christmas season.
Pax Christi,
Jim