At Christmas, Bishop Iffert tells congregation the image of a cow at the Nativity relates to transformative divine love

Maura Baker

Staff Writer

A peaceful Christmas morning, Dec. 25, the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington, welcomed parishioners and guests alike to celebrate Midnight Mass for the Nativity of the Lord.

The Cathedral’s pews were full for the celebration — and music filled the Cathedral, decorated with greenery, as the Bishop’s Choir and a string quartet performed songs until the Mass began.

Bishop John Iffert celebrated the Mass, and served as homilist, as well.

In his homily, Bishop Iffert recalled an encounter with the diocesan chancellor, Jamie Schroeder. “I mentioned that I especially like the way that she had positioned the cow just behind the crib, nudging up toward Jesus in a way that was particularly attentive to the baby,” Bishop Iffert said.

To which Mrs. Schroeder replied, according to Bishop Iffert, “That’s the way I was taught. I was told that the cow warmed the baby Jesus with her breath.”

Continuing, he said that, “The idea that this lovely creature recognized the Lord of Heaven and earth — her Creator — and the great gift of love born for the redemption of the world. And, in spontaneous reaction to this love, loves in return … to respond to the love of God with her very breath.”

“Love inspires love,” said Bishop Iffert. “It is the source of holiness. It is the source of wisdom … That’s the story of Christmas, isn’t it? … He emptied himself out being born in human likeness, joining our nature to his and accepting all our limitations, even temptation, even death, so that we might know that we are loved.”

“We are loved so much so that our God will not remain separated from us,” he continued, “even when we have made ourselves God’s enemies — even then he comes to love us. Love transforms. Love inspires love in return.”

He concluded, saying, “From now on, I will set up my nativity scene with the cow hovering closely to the baby Jesus. Practically touching. And I will imagine her, with her big brown eyes, breathing warm against the chill of the night.”

“And it will remind me,” said Bishop Iffert, “that being loved by Jesus changes everything. Who will accept the gift of divine love? That love transforms us. It is our training. It is the path to holiness. It is the path to peace.”