Circumcision

Today’s Gospel (Luke 2:16-21) ends with the circumcision of Christ eight days after his birth, when he receives the name Jesus.

The circumcision of Christ is more than just a social custom or simple surgery: it connects the child physically to the covenant between God and his people going back to Abraham. It is a critical point of continuity in salvation history: the loving action of God among his people.

This event should remind us of our own special connection as Christians with the Jewish people and faith. It is also a reaffirmation of the comforting wonder that God truly came among us a little child, true God and true man, because of his great love for each one of us.

For unto us a child is born.