In the summer of 1939, at the end of college and on my way home before entering the Divine Word novitiate, I made a brief visit to the World’s Fair in New York City. World War II was already begun, nonetheless, the affair was well-attended, was very impressive. Russia had a huge display, so did Italy. One of the most popular was that by Bell Telephone.

On the front wall of a great hall was a huge map of the United States, major cities noted with light. Across the front of the bare room was a counter with several hundred phones. On the stage above two phones, used in turn. The idea was: you can call anywhere in the country free. Just line up, take your turn. On the many phones up front, others could listen. It was a take-off on the old custom of listening in on a party line.

So, the volunteer would give his number—say, a party in Seattle. A light would go on in New York City, and soon after a line of light would extend to Buffalo, after a few moments on to Toledo, then the line of light would move on to Chicago, then Des Moines and so on across the country, until the line would reach Seattle, the phone would ring and a dialog begin. “Aunt Minnie, this is Brendan.” And so on. “Minnie, take care. I’m in NYC at the World’s Fair and there’s about 200 people listening.”

It was a clever bit, considered a marvel. Fancy! A line of wire across the country—hundreds of wires, really—and you can get on one, and station-to-station (as it was called), reach anywhere. It was thought a remarkable achievement. And it was, 67 years ago. We’ve moved along some since.

Granted, it is no great feat to accept the Gospel story of the Incarnation. If man can do what he does, it is possible that God could make angels, shepherds, Bethlehem, a star and wise men from the East. If man can do marvels, and he can, so can God, one assumes.

Nolen Boone¹ was at Mass on Epiphany years ago, in the chapel at 6:00 a.m., with his children. The priest was sympathetic with his worshipers and said, in effect: “You know, it is good to be clear. The point of this holy season is that God became man and came to live with us. This is the issue. The details we may not be sure of, save the Virgin birth. But choirs of angels, the shepherds, the star in the night, and even the visit of the Kings is something else again. It is good to keep a sense of balance.”

Well, as could be expected, Nolen wasn’t buying it. And he was upset: “Why do priests have to spoil Christmas for children by spouting those theories!?” So to me, later.

And my answer was—in terms of what men and women have achieved even in my life time—I find it no problem at all that God Himself is quite capable of something as beautiful as the song of angels, wise men from the east, guided by a star, coming to worship the Son of God.

I’m a monk, you know. I’m involved with things like cloister and abbot and a rule of life. Celibacy and obedience, cowls and candles, refectory and chapter room, bells and incense. Most of which mean little to many people.

To me it is all very beautiful. To be involved in it is pure gift. And it is a witness to the beauty of God and so is a boon to our neighbors, our world. Because all of it speaks of God as much or more than stars do, or the song of birds, the laughter of a child, the love of a woman. It is all a witness to beauty. And a solace to all whom it touches. A sharing of the Incarnation. A journey with the Magi.
 

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

1. Nolan Boone is a long-time neighbor and friend of the monks of Gethsemani.