麻豆约拍

Good morning.聽 I really love Christmas Eve. It is, of course, marked by hustle and bustle, but there's an underlying sense of quiet anticipation which never fails to enter my soul.

For a family it鈥檚 sometimes hard to contain this growing sense of anticipation, which for some children is far from quiet. It calls for a cool head and a firm hand which, for me, came in the figure of my father. I know that isn't so for everyone, so I feel truly blest. He was an unfailing point of stability and wisdom, providing in our family a sense of order and purpose.

Today I think of all those in positions of responsibility in our world whose task is to keep us safe and who struggle for good order, whether between nations or here at home. Amidst the threats and anxieties of these days theirs is a demanding role. The state of alert in which we are living will not leave them because it鈥檚 Christmas. They鈥檒l remain on guard, alert to every danger and ready to respond.

聽As I place the figure of St.聽 Joseph into the crib, I think of all these guardians, men and women who do their utmost to protect us. I think of my father, whose name was Henry Joseph, with such gratitude in my heart and I think too of all those who will go out to feed the hungry and the homeless with kindness and love.

Lord God, strengthen our efforts to make this world more like you intend it to be. Keep us safe this day and throughout this special night. Waken us to greet with joy the day of your Son's birth, for he is the Prince of Peace, He alone has power to restore our world to your Peace. Amen.