“Shepherds who lived outside...”

The shepherds lived outside. They spent the night in the fields to guard their flocks. They did not go to Jerusalem to pray at the Temple. Did they go to the villages to shop and meet other people? Saint Luke doesn't say it. Shepherds lived on the margins of human society. But it is to these marginalized people that the good news is announced first. This good news concerns all the people, but it is first announced to the marginalized.

Pope Francis likes to designate two categories of marginalized people in today's societies, the young and the elderly. The reasons and consequences of this exclusion are various. But I remember that they are given priority in the announcement of the good news. I remember that the elderly as well as the young and the other marginalized are the first to receive the light and joy of Christmas.

Forty days later, the old Symeon and the prophetess Anne will welcome Jesus. "My eyes have seen salvation," Symeon will say.

There is no place in the common room for Mary, Joseph and Jesus. They too are put aside. When God comes into the world, there is no place for him in the common room.

Is there no more room for seniors and for young people and for many others in the common room of our societies? What is certain is that the Christmas child comes for them.

Lord Jesus, child of the manger, you offer your light and joy to children and elders. Thank you. Give us to welcome this light and this  joy and to know how to share it with our marginalized or isolated brothers and sisters

Father François Maupu