Cardinal Tobin speaks of hope and peace at Christmas Midnight Mass
In revealing Himself to humankind as a child in a manger, “God’s strength is revealed in meekness, God’s victory in mercy, God’s peace in reconciliation,” said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark. He was preaching at the Christmas Midnight Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.
During his homily, Cardinal Tobin referred to a performance of Handel’s Messiah, which had occurred in the cathedral just a few days before.
“This year one passage (from the Messiah) in particular captures the invitation of Christmas, the invitation of this holy season: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things,'” the cardinal said.
He continued:
“The ‘beautiful feet’ are not about elegance, but movement — the willingness to walk, to cross valleys and hills, to carry hope into places of despair.”
Cardinal Tobin spoke about the “radical smallness” with which God chose to enter human history. “God tucked himself into a womb, and when the time came, he emerged fragile, seeking a home, but finding only a manger.”
You can watch the Christmas Midnight Mass below:
Featured image: Christmas Midnight Mass is celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ. (Photo YouTube screenshot)
