Readers React: The shock of Christ’s humble birth in a materialistic world

To the editor: Robert Barron’s Op-Ed piece displays the contrast between the power brokers of the time and Jesus’ humble birth. This helps us understand why politicians of all stripes are so uncomfortable with real Christianity and with the words of Pope Francis. (“Luke’s subversive story of Jesus’ birth,” Opinion, Dec. 25)

To all of us who make pleasure-seeking and materialism the centers of our lives, the shock of Christ’s coming is truly subversive. Barron says it well.

Larry Walker, Canoga Park

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To the editor: I genuinely appreciate the L.A. auxiliary bishop’s reminder of the subversive nature of the Christmas story. And in that spirit, I’ll quote the bishop and hope that everyone had “a subversive little Christmas.”

I’d also like to remind everyone of subversive Catholic groups like Roman Catholic Womenpriests (whose name says it all) and DignityUSA, which speaks for many lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Catholics.

The people these groups represent often find there’s no room at the inn for them, but hopefully Catholic authorities will remember the subversive story of Jesus in the new year.

Roel Hinojosa, Los Angeles

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