Wednesday, January 1, 2003
Mary, Mother of God

1st Reading: Num 6:22-27
2nd Reading: Gal 4:4-7

Gospel: Lk 2:16-21 (Listen to MP3 - Birth of Jesus & Circumcision and presentation)

The shepherds came hurriedly and found Mary and Joseph with the baby lying in the manger. On seeing this they related what they had been told about the child, and all were astonished on hearing the shepherds.

As for Mary, she treasured all these messages and continually pondered over them.

The shepherds then returned giving glory and praise to God for all they had heard and seen, just as the angels had told them.
On the eighth day the circumcision of the baby had to be performed; he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Gospel Commentary

"May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace." This final benediction in the threefold blessing Aaron and his sons are to invoke on Israel is a blessing we too long for. As a new year begins, with its promise and its dangers, we pray for peace, which is not just the absence of war and conflict, but rather, the shalom that God desires for his people: well-being, security, trust and acceptance among peoples, friendship with God, fullness of life. What confirms us in our hope for peace in the midst of the uncertainties of our time is Paul's insistence that "God sent his Son, born of a woman… to enable us to be adopted as sons and daughters." We are not slaves, therefore, but children of God, and therefore, Paul confidently asserts, heirs as well. There is a rich inheritance of life and shalom prepared for us by the God Jesus taught us to call Abba, Father. We would do well then to follow the example of the maiden of Nazareth, the Mother of God, Mary, who "kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart."

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Gospel Reflections by Fr. Gerry Pierse, C.Ss.R.

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