No. 1
The Gospel according to Luke recounts the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem to be enrolled.
While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2: 6-7)
Oh, that I were those swaddling clothes. The purpose of swaddling clothes is to calm the baby and decrease anxiety. The thought of being that close to the baby Son of God, to somehow be a comfort to him, to quiet him and comfort him is quite satisfying. As a human, Jesus had needs. Certainly, the circumstances of his birth were not ideal. If I could wrap around him, be so close to him, be of help to him, I would be joyful. Who can resist the awesome wonder of a newborn baby? I know this baby is the promised Redeemer. I want to be near him. I want to be near Him every day. As the swaddling clothes, in the quiet, I can adore him, listen to his breathing and his little baby whimpers. May I feel that closeness to Jesus today as I shut out unnecessary distractions from the world that can be very cold and disquieting.
No. 2
The Gospel according to Luke recounts the great consecration at the Last Supper.
Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you. (Luke 22:19-20)
Oh, that I were the tablecloth at the Last Supper. I would behold the first Blessed Sacrament right there as the apostles looked on. I would smell the aroma of that wine. I would see close-up the soon-to-be-pierced hands of Jesus as he broke the bread and lifted the cup of wine. I would be of ritual service at this blessed table fellowship. Perhaps I would catch some crumbs of the sacred bread as the apostles shared it. I would be clean and pure and ready to serve throughout the Passover celebration, recognizing that this celebration is new and special and will be repeated for all years to come! May I be of willing service to others. May I always appreciate the awesome gift of the Holy Eucharist and spread the news of the gift to others. May I never take this gift for granted.
No. 3
The Gospel according to John describes Peter and John going to the empty tomb where the body of Jesus had been interred:
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. (John 20:3-7)
Oh, that I were those burial cloths! What a privilege to shroud and protect Jesus’ tortured body as it lay in the tomb. What a privilege to witness, there in the tomb, the miracle of his resurrection! The apostles found only me, Jesus’ burial cloths, and they saw that Jesus was not there. He had risen from the dead! May I remind myself daily of that truth and be full of hope and joy! May I wrap myself now around my Savior Jesus and help to wipe away others’ tears of anxiety and doubt.
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The scripture passages are from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved.
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Manchester, Connecticut. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.