Even before the miracles, parables, sea-side teachings, salvific death, and glorious resurrection, the gospel still illuminates these opening scenes of Jesus’ earthly life.  Foreshadowed in every detail of Act One – from the angelic invitation to lowly shepherds to the base, humble surroundings of a manger – is the precious and revolutionary message that there is no caste system at God’s table. Only the poor in spirit are invited.