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In his annual Christmas Message Archbishop Eamon Martin has urged those who love God to bring Christ to people who are lonely, isolated, struggling, poor, sick or in need during the festive season.
In his Christmas homily, Archbishop Martin reflected on the late Pope Francis describing Jesus as "knocking at the door of our hearts" during a Christmas address some years ago. The Archbishop said Christ comes into our lives, including at Christmas time, but often people don't notice Him because their hearts are so restless and preoccupied, especially in the run up to Christmas, and it's as if they keep Christ standing outside, waiting.
He recalled the Book of Revelation: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me."
Archbishop Martin drew parallels between Mary and Joseph wandering through Bethlehem, knocking at doors and hoping someone would invite them in, and the situation facing many people today. "In these troubled times of war and violence, fear and uncertainty, it is as if Christ is standing before the whole world this Christmas, knocking to be let in, urging our world to open its heart to Him," he said.
The Archbishop spoke of ongoing concerns about the situations in Gaza, Ukraine and other parts of the world where war causes death, devastation, displacement of people and heartbreak. He noted that even on the island of Ireland, there are people still struggling to get by, to find shelter in the night, food in the day and love always.
Archbishop Martin said Christ knows how much people need Him and how much the whole world needs His Good News of peace on earth, of mercy, forgiveness, generosity, compassion and kindness, and His promise of hope. He said that even though at times people won't answer the door, Christ just keeps on knocking because He really wants a heart to heart encounter with them.
"He is standing right there, with Christmas gifts, of love, mercy and healing - gifts of hope and joy. He wants to share all this with us, so that we, in turn, can share it with others," Archbishop Martin said. "But Christ simply can't get to us, unless we make the effort to open the door of our hearts, and let Him in."
The Archbishop quoted the mystics who used to say: "Were Christ to be born in a thousand stables it would be to no avail, unless He is born in our hearts."
He also referenced Pope Leo's love of Saint Augustine's prayer: "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you."
Archbishop Martin wished everyone a happy and restful Christmas this year, with peace in their hearts and homes, and Christ beside them, seated at their table, heart to heart. "I pray that for those out there who are lonely, isolated and struggling, poor, sick or in need, that we who love God can bring Christ to them this Christmas and New Year, gently knocking at the door of their hearts to remind them, 'You are loved' and I bring you News of great joy: you're not alone, for 'Today a Saviour has been born for us. He is Christ the Lord'," he said.
