Deep South Deacon

Reading 1 Sir 3:2-6, 12-14

Responsorial Psalm Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Reading II Col 3:12-21

Gospel Lk 2:22-40

There is a grammar school that puts on a very elaborate Nativity play each year. They always have plenty of people trying out for the roles of Mary and Joseph, because they are considered the starring roles. People like to try out for the role of the shepherds because the little boys like to carry around the shepherds staffs. There is never any problem getting people to fill the role of the magi, because of the really cool costumes they get to wear.

But there is always problems getting people to fill the role of the innkeeper. Partly because the role is so small and partly because the innkeepers is view as being a real mean guy.

There have been many times in history when great things have been done by ordinary people who lived humble lives. In fact great things have been done by people with less than auspicious beginnings, the disabled, the poor, those who grew up illiterate.

A personal encounter for me with a person who had very humble beginnings and achieved greatness was on November 8, 1970. I was sitting in the north end zone of old Tulane stadium. The Saints were losing 19-17 with 3 seconds left on the clock.