
Tami Urcia reminds us that the Lord comes to us not only at Christmas, but every time we receive Him in the Eucharist.
Even the animals adore Him
Prior to the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis last July, communities across the nation participated in Eucharistic processions in the streets, where priests carried our Lord out in the open for all to see. After one of these processions, a friend of mine shared with me that along the way, they had come upon a herd of sheep, who noticed them and began walking alongside them. Further down the road, they came upon some cows who were out to pasture. The cows looked at them quizzically at first, and then also began walking alongside them in procession. How incredible!
As I imagined what it would be like to witness how even the animals sensed the presence of Jesus and followed along, it reminded me of the first Christmas. In that rugged semi-outdoor atmosphere, the sheep and cows knelt before our newborn Lord in adoration and kept him warm with their breath. A few years ago, our parish hosted a display of Eucharistic miracles, and many of them also recounted the uncharacteristic behavior of animals in the presence of the consecrated Host.
If even cattle recognize our beloved Lord and follow Him, how much more so should we! The birthday of Christ our King is here. Are we ready to bow down before him in homage and offer Him the gift of ourselves?
He is really here, just as He promised!
I have always enjoyed being pregnant during Advent. It affords me an extra special way to identify with our Blessed Mother as she carried our infant Lord within her. But even being with child pales in comparison to what the people of that time must have felt. They had been waiting centuries for His arrival and now He was really here, just as He promised! The time had come! I’m sure the hearts of each and every shepherd, magi, and visitor burned within them, just being in the presence of the Almighty. Heaven had come to earth!
And the same happens to us at every Mass when Jesus comes to us, comes into our very bodies to abide in us. Are you filled with praise as Zephaniah proclaims:
Shout for joy, daughter Zion! sing joyfully, Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, daughter Jerusalem! ... The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior. (Zephaniah 3:14, 17a)
Does your heart burn within you? Do you choose to follow Him? If not, now is the perfect time to examine why, and make a change in order to be able to be glad and exult with true joy this Christmas.
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Copyright 2024 Tami Urcia
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About the Author

Tami Urcia
Tami is a Western Michigander who spent early adulthood as a missionary in Mexico, studying theology and philosophy, then worked and traveled extensively before finishing her bachelor’s degree in Western Kentucky. She loves finding fun ways to keep her five kiddos occupied and quiet conversation with the hubby. Tami works at Diocesan and does Spanish/English translations and guest blogs.
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