Archbishop Costelloe blesses the nativity scene on the sanctuary of the Cathedral at the 11am Christmas Mass. Photo: Ron Tan.
Eager though we are to give gifts generously and sincerely to those we love, God’s desire and determination to give us the gift of himself in his Son is infinitely greater than ours.
This was the message of Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB at the 2022 Christmas Day Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sunday 25 December.
Joining Archbishop Costellloe for the 11am Mass was Cathedral Dean, the Very Rev Dr Sean Fernandez, which was attended by nearly 800 people.
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB speaks with media following Mass on Sunday 25 December. Photo: Ron Tan.
Media outlets including print and video journalists were also present for the occasion, waiting eagerly to interview Archbishop Costelloe on the meaning of Christmas.
“As we gather tonight in the midst of the season of Christmas gift-giving, it is right that we, as Christians, should see in each gift we give and receive, a reflection of God’s gift of himself to us in Jesus,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“Hopeful though we are that the gifts we give will be received with delight and gratitude and used well, God’s desire that we receive his gift of himself in Christ with delight and gratitude and that this gift might enrich our lives as it is intended to do, is infinitely greater than ours,” he continued.
More than 800 parishioners from across Perth gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sunday 25 December for Christmas Mass. Photo: Ron Tan.
Archbishop Costelloe continued by explaining that ultimately, God’s gift of himself in Christ is the gift of freedom.
“It is the gift of new sight, which allows us to look at the world with the wide eyes of Christ rather than the narrow field of vision which so often holds us back,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“It is the gift of freedom from that paralysis of mind and heart which prevents us from walking confidently in the footsteps of our good Shepherd,” he said.
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