In his Christmas message, the Archbishop of Australia reflects on the profound difference between Circe’s use of power in Homer’s Odyssey and God’s humility in the Incarnation. While Circe degraded Odysseus’ companions into animals, God humbled Himself by becoming man to elevate humanity to divinity.
Christmas is not about festivities alone but a call to holiness, reminding us of our spiritual potential and eternal prospects. The Archbishop extends warm wishes for a joyful and peaceful 2025 to all.
Read the Archbishop of Australia’s Christmas Message
We are a people who take pride in our rich history and glorious past, a legacy of philosophy, poetry, arts, and culture. One remarkable example of global poetic art is Homer’s works, which mark the beginning of European and Western literature. In the Odyssey, Homer recounts the adventures of Odysseus, culminating in his return to his homeland. I will not delve into the entire story but will highlight one significant moment.
Odysseus finds himself on the island of Circe, a witch who uses her magic wand to transform his companions into pigs. She neither tortured nor imprisoned them, nor did she deprive them of life. Instead, she reduced them to the level of animals because, in her eyes, they were unworthy of acquiring her own magical powers.
When God chose to intervene in the world, He acted differently. He did not come with power or force, and thankfully, He did not seek human advice. For if He had, we, as humans, might have advised Him to imitate Circe: to use His divine power to humble, punish, or destroy humanity. But instead of degrading man, God humbled Himself and became man, elevating humanity to divinity.
The Incarnation of God is not merely an annual commemoration or the memory of a significant religious event. It is not defined by decorations, lights, gift exchanges, or festive dinners. The birth of Christ is a call to ascend, to progress, and, in ecclesiastical terms, to pursue holiness. Christmas reminds us that, as human beings, we are endowed with limitless potential and spiritual prospects. We are not confined to the limited existence of animals. Christmas affirms that even in death, life endures.
On behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod of Australia and my fellow Bishops, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2025 bring joy, peace, and salvation to your families, communities, our Nation, and our Church.
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