SOLEMNITY OF THE HOLY MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Numbers 6:22-27

Psalm 66

Galatians 4:4-7

Luke 2:16-21

2021: A Year of Hope

January 1st, a day marked by three events: the beginning of a new year, the solemnity of Saint Mary, Mother of God, and World Day of Peace. As far as today’s liturgy is concerned, two things caught my attention. First, the Church invites us to celebrate a woman on this first day of the year. Meanwhile a woman is the symbol of life, fertility and care. This woman is Mary, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Mother in the order of grace. The second reading and the gospel attest to this fact.

Second, the liturgy of the Word opens by speaking of blessing. Meanwhile, to "bless" someone is to wish him "good", to set him apart for God. Thus, the liturgical blessing of the people of Israel consisted in invoking God's "NAME" on the people, and this included three things: may the Lord "keep you", may he "be gracious to you", and may he "give you peace."

Therefore, at the beginning of this New Year, I would like to express my best wishes in four words: life, grace, peace and hope. I wish you a life full of joy and fruitfulness. May the Lord keep you from all misfortune and give you the assurance of his unfailing presence especially in the midst of your doubts, difficulties, tribulations and trials.

May he grant you the graces you need and help you accept all the events that will mark your life in this coming year as a grace. May he give you his peace. Yes, peace (shàlôm), this word which, in the biblical sense, is not simply absence of war but expresses good relationship with God, with others and with nature, integrity, fullness, health, serenity, material and spiritual prosperity.

The year 2020 may not be as we had expected because of the many challenges and dramatic events caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, as we pray for the peaceful repose of all those who lost their lives because of this virus and pray for the healing of the infected ones, let us thank God for everything. Let us ask him to make this New Year a year overflowing with grace, a year of breakthrough and a year of spiritual elevation. May the Virgin Mary, Mother of Hope, accompany us throughout this year. Amen

Happy and Prosperous New Year!!!