The Midnight Holy Mass St. James church in Medjugorje church was presided over by the Apostolic Visitor with a special role for the parish of Medjugorje, Archbishop Aldo Cavalli. Before this Holy Mass, there was a celebration at 6 pm presided over by the parish vicar of Medjugorje, Br. Ivan Hrkać. After the Holy Mass, a live nativity scene was staged in front of the church. The prayer vigil began with the adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar at 10:30 pm.

The parish priest of Medjugorje, Br. Zvonimir Pavičić, the parish vicar, Br. Jure Barišić and other priests concelebrated at the Midnight Holy Mass too. At the beginning of his sermon, Archbishop Cavalli repeated the Gospel words: “I bring you the good news of great joy: today a Savior has been born to you, Christ the Lord” (cf. Lk 2:10-11) and explained that “our faith is summed up in this expression: God has made himself one of us, in Jesus of Nazareth, Christ, Lord, Savior”. He said that our faith is based on one event: the Incarnation, and on one person: Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God.

“Today, in our lives, we relive that fundamental event: Jesus, Jesus of Nazareth, God with us”, said Monsignor Cavalli and then explained how he was born, where and why?

“The Gospel according to Luke presents, first of all, the historical context of Jesus’ birth: Caesar Augustus, the governor Quirinius, the census. Then he introduces us to Joseph and Mary who go to Bethlehem to take part in the census. Then he presents to us the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem: Jesus was born in Bethlehem, as it is written in the Holy Scriptures,” said Archbishop Cavalli, explaining that Jesus was born like all the others, and he supports this with the Gospel sentence: “Mary wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger” (cf. Lk 2:7).

“He was born as people were born at that time, in the poor families. To whom was this birth announced? To the shepherds. They were poor. The Gospel tells us that the new world, the world that God wants, begins in Bethlehem: “Today a Savior has been born to you, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David” (Lk 2:11).

“This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Lk 2:12). It was night. This child, Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger, is the light of the world. Thus God carries out his plan for the salvation of the world.

Isaiah, centuries earlier, presented all this to us by writing: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light… for a child is born to us, a son is born to us… who is the mighty God… the Prince of Peace” (cf. Is 9:1.5)’’, Archbishop Cavalli explained how Jesus’ birth took place, and then explained why he was born, relying on the Gospel passage: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men with whom he is pleased. Peace on earth to men and women of good will, to those with whom he is pleased” (cf. Lk 2:14).

‘’This is the motivation: God became like us because He loves us, because He loves me, because He loves you: He loves me as I am, He loves you as you are, because in Jesus we are His children.

This is Jesus’ authentic Christmas wish: peace to you, peace to your family, peace to your community, peace… because God loves you, because God loves us,” Archbishop Aldo Cavalli concluded his sermon at the Midnight Holy Mass in Medjugorje. (PHOTO)