BETHLEHEM!!! What does the word really mean? Do any of you know? It actually means House of Bread. Jesus was born in a place that means House of Bread.
BETHLEHEM: More extensive interpretation. Let us give various other ones:
1. TABERNACLE! The beautiful tabernacle is the House of God, the residence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Saint Pope John Paul II says that it is the living Heart of the Church. Make it a habit to visit the King in the Tabernacle. One of the first little poems I learned from my good Mom was the following: Whenever I see a Church, I stop to make a visit, so that when I die, the Lord won’t say: “Who is it!!!” Hopefully when you die the Lord will not have to say, “Who is it?” Rather, He will say: “Welcome home! I know you as a friend who would constantly visit me and keep me company and talk to me!
2. HOLY COMMUNION AND YOUR OWN HEART! In a very short time many of you will be receiving Holy Communion—the Bread of Life. Upon receiving Holy Communion your very heart becomes a “Bethlehem”—House of Bread! Make sure that you give the Infant Baby Jesus a warm and loving welcome. Among the saddest words surrounding Christmas are the following: “There was no room for them in the Inn.” Hopefully, this will not be the case in your own heart, your own interior Bethlehem.
3. BETHLEHEM PRESENT IN YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS. Never forget that Jesus, the Bread of Life is present in others. Jesus said: “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.” (Mt 25) This Christmas day as well as this Christmas season make a decision to treat all of your family members with kindness, love, compassion, patience, humility and charity. One unkind or uncharitable word said without reflection can do irreparable damage. Never forget that the devil never goes on vacation. On the contrary, during feast days as well as family encounters, the devil work will work even overtime. Do not give the devil a chance to enter you or your family. The Bible reminds us that we should be slow to speak and quick to listen. If you are tempted by the evil spirit to say something that will wound charity and wound the heart of one of your loved ones, practice silence; indeed, then it will be golden!
4. HOUSE OF BREAD. Of course another Bethlehem or House of Bread is the heart as well as womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. After Mary gave her Yes to God in the Annunciation, she was transformed into a living BETHLEHEM—House of Bread for nine months until she gave birth to Jesus in the stable of Bethlehem. May Our Lady help us to penetrate with greater depth every day the true meaning of Christmas and the true and profound meaning of the word BETHLEHEM.
5. JOHN 6 AND BETHLEHEM. What an interesting parallel that Jesus who was born in Bethlehem—House of Bread, would give one of His most eloquent teachings in the synagogue of Capernaum and what was the topic of it? “I am the bread of life; whoever eats my body and drinks my blood will have everlasting life and I will raise him up on the last day.” (Jn. 6:22-71)
In conclusion, let us pray for a deeper penetration and understanding of the extensive meaning of BETHLEHEM. Let us recognize clearly that our hearts and souls are called to be living and ardent BETHLEHEMS! “O, come let us adore the Bread of life, Christ the Lord.”
Father Ed Broom, OMV, is Associate Pastor of St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary and was ordained by Saint John Paul II on May 25, 1986. Fr. Ed teaches Catholic Ignatian Marian Spirituality through articles, podcasts, a radio show, retreats and spiritual direction.
