SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Numbers 6:22-27

Psalm 66

Galatians 4:4-7

Luke 2:16-21

MARY, THEOTÓKOS: THE WOMAN WORTH CELEBRATING 

While we thank God for everything that has marked the year 2021, we want to begin the year 2022 with hope in the name of God who gives true peace to his people. There are two remarkable things in today's celebration. First, we begin this new year by celebrating a woman. Meanwhile, a woman is the symbol of life, fecundity and care. Second, the biblical passage that opens the liturgy of the Word speaks of how the priest Aaron was to bless the people of Israel (Num. 6:22-27). 

In effect, St Paul says: "When the appointed time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman" (Gal. 4:4). This woman is the Blessed Virgin Mary, as we read in the gospel (Luke 2:16-21). Mary is therefore the Mother of God (Theotókos), because the child she bore is God, who chose to dwell among men (cf. John 1:1-14). 

Moreover, if the Spirit of the Son of God cries in us "Abba, Father", then we are sons and daughters of God. We are therefore brothers and sisters of Jesus; and in the order of grace, Mary is also our Mother. It is thus appropriate to celebrate this Woman through whom God entered our human history in human form. Through her faith and obedience to God, the Saviour of the world was born to us. 

It can therefore be said that through Mary, the blessings announced in the Book of Numbers were extended to all humanity. Thus, through her intercession, may the Lord bless you and keep you; make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may he give you peace. May our Mother Mary continue to protect us and intercede for us. May her Son Jesus Christ grant us peace, joy, good health and prosperity to the works of our hands. 

Let us pray: O Father, we thank you for the new year which opens before us. Enable us with your grace to walk with you in faith, hope, truth, joy and peace, together with our brothers and sisters. May we live every moment of this year with serenity and trust in you. Amen.

Happy and Prosperous New Year!!!