Catholics urged to be ‘sign of God's presence’ at Christmas Eve Mass

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on Wednesday called on the faithful to be the “sign of God’s presence,” especially to the marginalized, this Christmas.

During the Christmas Eve Mass at the Manila Cathedral on Wednesday evening, Advincula said the essence of Christmas is “Emmanuel,” or “God is with us.”

“Christmas empowers us to be like the angels who help others notice God active and present in the ordinary, in the fragile, in times and places where we usually overlook,” he said in his homily.

“Kelangan natin magmasid ng mabuti at ituro ang palatandaan ng kanyang presensiya [We need to be observant and show the signs of His presence],” he added.

The cardinal also urged Catholics to show God’s presence to the poor and neglected.

“Sometimes, we may be the only sign of God’s presence that someone will see,” Advincula said.

Christmas begins with encouragement

Advincula reminded the people not to be afraid amid challenges in life, as God knows the fears, worries, weariness, and burdens of His people’s hearts.

This includes the victims of the recent tropical cyclones and earthquakes in Visayas and Mindanao, the political turmoil among and within nations, and the prevalence of corruption.

“Christmas empowers us to become like angels too, that encourages the presence that allays fear, the presence that calms worries,” he said.

“Indeed, Christmas begins with encouragement. God knows that the world into which His Son is born is anxious, burdened, and tired,” he added.

Instead of being afraid, Catholics were urged to “stand within” fear and see it as a “vision of hope.”

“Like the angels, may we be able to say to one another, ‘do not be afraid; I bring good news of great joy.’ Where there is fear, may we become like angels who encourage,” Advincula said.

“To foster genuine peace, may we be like the angels who glorify God,” he added.

The gospel came from the book of Luke, which narrates Jesus' birth, the angel's message to the shepherds, and the fulfillment of the prophecy. — BM, GMA Integrated News