Joy of Christmas Points to Eternal Joy of Heaven – Dec 24 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Dec 24, 2025, reflecting on Zechariah's canticle in the Gospel, highlighting how God's Incarnation fulfills ancient promises while marking a brief earthly presence that points us toward our true home in heaven.

In his homily, Father explains that while God truly becomes man at Christmas, fulfilling the promises spoken by Zechariah, Jesus' life on earth is short—just 33 years, mostly hidden. This shows that God's dwelling here is real but temporary, like our own lives. It reminds us of the four last things: death, judgment, heaven, and hell. Though Christmas is joyful, it ends quickly, just as all time does. Father urges us to live fully in the present, making this season count for eternity, since our permanent home is with God in heaven, not on earth.

Luke 1:68-79 - Zechariah's canticle of fulfillment - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?68
Hebrews 13:14 - No lasting city here - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/13?14
CCC 659 - Christ's brief earthly life - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/659.htm
CCC 1009 - Facing death and judgment - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1009.htm
CCC 1020 - Resurrection and eternal life - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1020.htm
Catholic Answers - Christmas and the Incarnation - https://www.catholic.com/audio/caf/the-incarnation-of-god

Ave Maria!

Mass: Weekdays of Advent - Dec 24 Morning
Readings: - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122425.cfm
1st: 2sa 7:1-5, 8-11, 16
Resp: psa 89:2-5, 27, 29
Gsp: luk 1:67-79

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1335

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