We Stand with Mary at the start of the Year, Praying for Peace
January 1, 2006 The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God / New Year’s Day / World Day of Peace / The Octave Day of Christmas (B) - White or Blue
First Reading: Numbers 6:22-27
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 67 "May God bless us in his mercy."
Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel: Luke 2:16-21
"Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart."
Today, we celebrate the great solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, the Mother of the Church. She is one of the central figures of the mystery of Christ’s incarnation. Mary is theotokos, the mother of God. Imagine, a mother conceiving a child without undergoing the sexual process. Hence, this is in itself a mystery of God. She is the only mother in the entire world who "conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit." We give her highest honors and reverence because of this dogma.
We see in today’s gospel Mary’s divine motherhood. She is passive. Her role of becoming the mother of God is divine. She treasured all of the events in her heart and pondered on them. Her Magnificat, months before the birth of Christ, speaks of her praise in God. These ejaculations of praise she uttered are now given fulfillment in today’s celebration when Mary kept reflecting of her graciousness as mother of the Redeemer. She remains humble in spite of the glory that she receives being the mother of the Savior of the world. She cannot fathom the sublime mystery that she is experiencing. But because of her faith in God, she goes forth with her child in peace and lives as a Holy Mother, a model for all mothers in this world.
We also conclude today the 8-day long celebration of the Solemnity of Christmas. You see, Christmas is not just a one-day celebration. But Christmas Day is celebrated magnificently as Easter Sunday is, having an 8-day celebration at that point. Christmas does not end here by the way. Christmas stretches until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, celebrated on January 9 this year. With this thought, we thank God for becoming human, for beoming one with us.
Today we also reflect on "In truth, peace," this year’s theme for the World Day of Peace. Let us not forget that at the start of the year, we stand with Mary and pray for peace in this world. We pray for peace in the coming year. We wish for peace for the each and every one. For there could only be peace if we live in the truth of the Gospel.
A Blessed New Year to one and all!!!
N.B. There is no anticipated mass for the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. To fulfill one’s Sunday obligation, he/she has to attend the mass during the day or the New Year’s Eve Midnight Mass. Check your parish bulletins for schedules. God Bless!
