Gospel Reflection for 1st January 2019 The Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God
The Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God
World Day of Peace
Happy New Year! More than likely there were plenty of parties and celebrations on New Year’s Eve as the old new year ended and the new one was ushered in. As we continue the sacred season of Christmas, today, New Years Day, we mark and celebrate this important day in the company and presence of our Lady, the Mother of God. Mary is not only central to Advent and Christmas; she is central to God’s plan for salvation. From the moment of her conception, which we celebrated on 8th. of December, through her being called personally by God to be the Mother of Jesus and her final vigil at the foot of the cross, Mary is offered to us as the prime example of what it is to follow Jesus as his disciple.
In reality, the gospels do not actually give us a lot of details about the life of Mary; all we have are small but very significant accounts of the important things that happened for and to her. The gospel for today’s wonderful feast is one of those gospels. One of the gospels for Christmas Day told us that shepherd made their way to the manger to see this new born child and his parents. The gospel today tells us that they hurried away from the manger sharing with everyone everything they had seen and experienced. It must have an experience that was full of noise, excitement and perhaps even some confusion. But somehow, with all that what was going on around her; Mary treasured all these things in her heart. Wisely, Mary did not dismiss, deny or ignore anything that happened to or for her. All that was taking place was part of God’s plan for her and for the whole human race. Through the grace and gift of faith, Mary cooperated fully with what God asked of her; not just at her Annunciation, but each and every day of her life as she followed Jesus. This is Mary’s greatness and her example that we are asked to follow in our own daily lives. Difficult though it can be sometimes to believe or accept, God does have a plan for each us; no matter what happens to us. Can we follow the example of Mary; can we put our faith, hope and trust in God? Can we ponder and treasure in our hearts all that happens to us?
Today is also World Day of Peace. A title often given to Mary, is ‘Mary, Queen of Peace. We know that from watching the news and reading our newspapers any evening, that sadly there are many people and countries that are suffering because of violence and random acts of terrorism. Some of these acts of violence take place in our own communities and in our own streets. We pray for all victims of violence, whether at home or abroad and those who carry out these terrible deeds. As we begin this New Year, may Mary, Queen of Peace, guide, lead and protect us, now and always. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
– Br Michael Moore
Gospel: Luke 2:16-21
The shepherds visit the manger. Later, Jesus is circumcised and named
The shepherds went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
