Merry Christmas! In today's episode, Bishop Barron walks us through the second chapter of Luke's Gospel, which recounts the birth of Jesus. As we see, this story is far from a safe, charming fairy tale. It tells the story of a new king, one who rivals the kingship of Caesar Augustus at every turn. A listener asks what St. John of the Cross meant by "the divine sweetness."
Topics Discussed
- 0:04 - Introduction: The fires of Southern California
- 2:40 - Why is "subversive" a good word for the Nativity narrative?
- 4:40 - What is the importance of the census in the Christmas story?
- 6:40 - Why does Luke begin the story by mentioning the great figures of the time?
- 8:00 - What is the significance of the "line of David"?
- 9:55 - What is the symbolic nature of there being no room at the inn, Jesus being wrapped in swaddling clothes, and Jesus being placed in a manger?
- 18:08 - What's the significance of the angels and shepherds?
- 25:50 - How were the Gospel writers spiritual and literary masters?
- 27:35 - Listener question: How do we dialogue with someone who creates their own personal religion?