Opening our inn for Christ's gift

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

A young, expectant mother and her husband prepare for the long journey to Bethlehem, their place of origin, in response to the decree from the Roman Emperor for a census. 

After a long and tiring journey, they arrive at the small town seeking shelter for the night. The weary travelers hear the unsettling response, "There is no room." 

Each Christmas, our familiarity with the story's ending may overshadow the disappointment that, seeing the young woman's condition, the inn keeper could not have offered the couple a better shelter than a stable. 

Today the message, "There is no room," would likely be communicated by a "No Vacancy" sign, thus reducing a personal contact with the modern traveler. This Christmas, I would like to suggest a different approach to the turn of phrase, "There is no room."

Grace transforming
Today's world suffers from great tensions, conflicts and economic crises. In many instances, these pierce our own lives. Such challenges on our life's journey should move us to consider ways in which we can transform their negative effects into helps rather than hindrances. 

For example, we can insist emphatically that "There is no room" in our lives for hatred, prejudice, revenge, suspicion or pettiness. "There is no room" for selfishness, indifference, vindictiveness or injustice. Lack of compassion should find "no vacancy." 

Instead, "welcome" will be the doormat to our homes and our hearths and our tables will be ladened with the fruit of our good works. No one will be turned away or 'stabled' with the cold reality of indifference. Moreover, as we move as a faith community into the implementation of Called to be Church, the diocesan pastoral plan several years in the making, we will seek to make courage, compassion, hope and a sense of community the virtues that determine our actions. 

If we celebrate Christmas and the coming New Year in this fashion it will bring into focus the "reason for the season" and cultivate that peace which Christ sought to bring to earth. Such peace can become a reality only when there are leaders and individuals who are committed to opening their minds and hearts to the attitudinal change that is necessary to accomplish this goal. 

Defining peace
Peace is not just the absence of war; it is the absence of the antidote to war, namely a willingness to consider and respect the rights of the other and to refuse to indulge in any physical or emotional violence or retaliation.

If we are able to clear our hearts and minds of that which clutters, undermines and impedes our spiritual journey, then, there will be plenty of room for the wholesome qualities that enrich our lives so that, as the prophet Amos promised, "justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream that never goes dry." 

So, this Christmas I pray that the Divine Presence will permeate your homes and the joy of Christ's oneness with us will fill the rooms of your hearts with the fruit of His peace. 

God bless you and Merry Christmas.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Howard J. Hubbard
Bishop of Albany

(12/18/08)