King of the Universe

Word Incarnate brings it home:

By its very nature, reconciliation cannot be forced, if it is to be genuine. If the desired reconciliation could be unilaterally imposed by a divine command from Heaven, there would have been no need for the Incarnation of God. Since God created us in his image and likeness, we have reason and free will; we are able to know and to choose and to love. So the Son of God humbled Himself to become one of us, to invite us to embrace the reconciliation He would so painfully effect on the Cross. He took flesh so He could pour out his blood for us in sacrifice, and so we could celebrate this reconciliation by partaking of his sacrificed body and blood in the Holy Eucharist. He wants to dwell in us and He wants us to dwell in Him. He, the maker of stars and galaxies, wants to set a table for us. It is not beneath his dignity, because He grew up making tables and chairs in Nazareth. He does not hold it against us that we made a cross for Him in return, because He came to make peace, to reconcile all things in heaven and on earth to his Father.

So, as we move one step closer to the celebration of God becoming man for our salvation, let us reflect upon Jesus’ majesty and his humility, his divinity and his humanity, his creation of the universe and his making of tables. And let us listen for the word that sets us free from our infirmities; let us wait prayerfully for that divine touch that makes us stand upright and give glory to God.


Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha-olam
Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the Universe













hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz.
who brings forth bread from the earth.