Feast of the Solemnity of Mary (Lk. 2:16-21) “Who Did Jesus Hang Out With?”
Feast of the Solemnity of Mary (Lk. 2:16-21) “Who Did Jesus Hang Out With?”
The shepherds that Luke refers to in the Infancy Narratives are a symbol of the people that Jesus would minister to his whole life. He would try to help the oppressed and the downtrodden. The stories of Jesus birth are a prelude to his future.
We have a rather idyllic way of looking at shepherds. We think of them as having a certain nobility about them. They live out in the open and they bravely guard their flocks from wild animals and thieves. A shepherd makes sure his flock always has enough food and water. When a lamb is hurt, they bind up its wounds. When a sheep strays from the flock the shepherd brings them back home.
The way we look at shepherds was not the way they were viewed in first century Palestine. Shepherds were looked upon as people who were on the lowest rung of society. Sheep herders were considered dirty and ill mannered. Afterall, they lived out in the open, sleeping where they could find a place. Not many of them could practice religion because they had to be out with the flocks all the time. The shepherds were also considered ritually unclean because they were out living with animals.
The fact that the angels appeared to these marginalized men to announce Jesus’ birth was a precursor to those Jesus would make friends with. We can think of how he chose fishermen, tax collectors and prostitutes to be his followers in later life. The elite of his society viewed Jesus’ entourage with disdain. Such people had no rights and no status.
Pope Francis often talks about the church ministering to the marginalized. When he says this, many would agree, but unfortunately Catholics can fall into the habit of paying more attention to those who are more mainstream. The wealthy and well placed are easier to work with and organize, but Jesus did not want his disciples to pick the low hanging fruit. He expects more than that.
Reflection Questions:
- Who do I see as the marginalized in my world? Do I steer away from them or do I reach out to them?
- Do I have an idolized picture of the poor? Should the wealthy and the poor be ministered to in the same way in the church?
Dear Parishioners,
I will be taking a day off from writing these reflections. On Saturday I will not write to you. My next homily online will be Sunday. I hope you have a Happy New Year.
May Our Lady watch over you tonight and tomorrow.
Fr. Mark