With Opened Bible
Bethlehem
“You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; whose origin is from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 1,1ss)
The last Sunday of this Advent season brings us back to an old prophecy about Bethlehem-Ephratah, a place that holds a significant place in our spiritual journey, as the birthplace of David and his spiritual heir, Jesus Christ.
First, we must remember that the Hebrew word Bethlehem-Ephratah has a very profound meaning regarding Jesus' ministry. Bethlehem (Beth=house and lehem=bread) and Ephratah or Ephrath mean "fruitulness." In other words, it means a house flled with Bread and blessings. It is an announcement of the Church, the Mystcal Body of Christ.
Amazingly enough, the prophet Micah, long before the coming of Jesus, prophesied about this town that did not even have the value of a city. In this lost corner that has no value, the Leader will come out and lead the chosen people toward justice and peace.
In the Bible, Bethlehem is essential in that it was the scene of significant events that marked the history of the Jewish people, events in which we, as part of this community, are also a part. Such as the birth and royal anointng of David. (1 Samuel 16) and Jesus. (Luke 2,4.11) In this city, Jacob (who would later become Israel) had acquired a plot of land to bury Rachel, his wife. (Genesis 35,15) Furthermore, the events related to the book of Ruth occurred in Bethlehem. (Ruth 1,1-2)
The correspondence between Bethlehem and Jesus' ministry could not be more striking. Jesus is this Bread of life, prepared by Mary's "yes" to appease the hunger of this world. It is in Bethlehem, the House of Bread, that the Bread of life (John 6) was given to us.
Like Mary, who carried him in her womb, let us eagerly open our hearts to his divine Presence, flled with hope and expectaton, so that he may nourish us with his Body. Maranatha, come Bread of Life, we are waitng for you.
