“In the ancient Church, and until rather recently, we genuflected at the two references to the incarnation in the Mass: at the Creed and at the Last Gospel (John 1). Why did we do this? It was explained to me that the mystery was so deep that one could only fall in silent reverence.
“There are many paradoxes and seeming impossibilities in the incarnation. As mysteries they cannot be fully solved, so they claim our reverence. We genuflected in the past, and we bow today at the mention of the incarnation in the creed for it is a deep mystery.
“As we celebrate Christmas I would like to list some of the paradoxes of Christmas. I want to say as little of them as possible, just enough to make the paradox clear. This paucity of words, not common with me, is in reverence to the mystery and also to invite your own reflection.”
In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on some of these paradoxes, including the Infinite One becoming an infant, He who looks down on all creation looking up to see his mother, He who indwells all creation being born in homelessness, He (to whom all things in heaven and on earth belong) being born in poverty and neediness, and He who is our sustainer and our food, being hungry and fed by his mother.
To access Msgr. Pope’s complete post, please visit:
Msgr. Charles Pope: Some Paradoxes and Mysteries of the Incarnation (25 DEC 13)
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