Build Bethlehem Everywhere
This is the title of a booklet published by: Canadian Catholic School Trustees' Association through the work of Tom Owens and Fr. Erik Riechers, SAC. Their philosophy of life has had me thinking for many years. Another author that challenges me is Diarmid O'Murchu. Lately I have been reading his latest book: Christianity's Dangerous Memory and the two are saying the same thing to me: Build Bethlehem Everywhere. And what does that mean for us? I get my clue from the crib scene. In a stable, all of creation is welcome: it is wide open! No locks, no reservations needed as in a hotel... Mary, Joseph and Jesus are there....the animals are there.... the shepherds are there with some of their flock, the wise men come bearing gifts from their culture, and who knows who else was there! There must have been some birds! All are welcome!
It reminds me of a cripple lady in The Pas, MB who lived on the street. She often visited with us and ate with us. One day, she was visiting a Sister at her office. The priest came to tell her that she had to leave. You see, she did take things from the Church! Later on, she came to visit us and drew a picture of Jesus with his arms wide open and she put as title: ALL ARE WELCOME. She was an artist and it was her way of expressing herself. Maybe, she had understood the meaning of the crib!
So, Build Bethlehem Everywhere is a reminder to me to live openness and caring for everyone including all of creation. The other day I was teaching guitar to children at the school and there were maple bugs. The children wanted to 'squish them' as they said. So, we talked further about respect for life and that they were our friends. So, we let them live. Later on during the lesson, one little guy looked again at the bugs and said: 'They are our friends, right!' to which I replied: 'They sure are!'. So, let's Build Bethlehem Everywhere!
Merry Christmas!
