Sermon today about the story of the young Count Zinzendorf commiting his life to the service of Christ after seeing the painting Ecce Homo ("Behold the Man") by Domenico Feti
Ego pro te haec passus sum
Tu vero quid fecisti pro me
"This have I suffered for you; now what will you do for me?"
Verses that spoke to me
All are sinners (me included) .... Salvation is by God’s Grace and Love ... by His son Jesus
[13] “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. [14] But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
From Pope Francis:
"Christmas is usually a noisy party: we could use a bit of silence, to hear the voice of Love."
Christmas is you, when you decide to be born again each day and let God into your soul.
The Christmas pine is you, when you resist vigorous winds and difficulties of life.
The Christmas decorations are you, when your virtues are colors that adorn your life.
The Christmas bell is you, when you call, gather and seek to unite.
You are also a Christmas light, when you illuminate with your life the path of others with kindness, patience, joy and generosity.
The Christmas angels are you, when you sing to the world a message of peace, justice and love.
The Christmas star is you, when you lead someone to meet the Lord.
You are also the wise men, when you give the best you have no matter who.
Christmas music is you when you conquer the harmony within you.
The Christmas gift is you, when you are truly friend and brother of every human being.
The Christmas card is you, when kindness is written in your hands.
The Christmas greeting is you, when you forgive and reestablish peace, even when you suffer.
The Christmas dinner is you, when you sated bread and hope to the poor man who is by your side.
You are, yes, Christmas night, when humble and conscious, you receive in the silence of the night the Savior of the world without noise or great celebrations; you are a smile of trust and tenderness, in the inner peace of a perennial Christmas that establishes the Kingdom within you.
A very Merry Christmas for all those who look like Christmas.
Pope Francis
