SOLEMNITY OF THE HOLY MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Numbers 6:22-27

Psalm 66 (67)

Galatians 4:4-7

Luke 2:16-21

2023: A YEAR OF GRACE 

At the beginning of the year, the Church invites us to celebrate the solemnity of Saint Mary, Mother of God, and the World Day of Peace. The Gospel passage takes us back to the manger, where the newborn Jesus was laid. Born of Mary, this little Child is the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. Mary is therefore the Mother of God. But she is also our Mother in the order of grace, because through baptism, we have become sons of God and coheirs with Christ Jesus.

Moreover, it is interesting to note that the first reading speaks of blessing. Meanwhile, to “bless” someone is to wish good to the person. Thus, the liturgical blessing of the people of Israel consisted in invoking God’s NAME on the people, and this included three things: protection, grace and peace. 

Therefore, dear readers of “SOWING THE SEED”, I would like to express my best wishes to you at the beginning of this year in four words: life, protection, grace and peace. I wish you a life full of joy and fruitfulness. May the Lord keep you from all misfortune and protect you. May he give you the assurance of his presence especially in the midst of your moments of 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 year 2023 as a grace. Because everything that happens is good! And may he give you his peace. Yes, peace (shàlôm), this word which, in the biblical sense, is not simply absence of war but expresses integrity, fullness, health, serenity , material and spiritual prosperity, good relationship with God, with others and with nature. May this year be a year overflowing with grace, a year of breakthrough and a year of spiritual elevation. 

Finally, may the Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Queen of Peace, accompany us throughout this year which opens before us with all its uncertainties and mysteries, fear and hope. May she intercede for us so that the peace of the Lord may reign in our world marked by wars and conflicts. Amen

Happy New Year!