January 01, 2012
Mary, Mother of God
My grandmother greeted people with "Happy New Year" well into the month of January. We can do the same with the greeting "Merry Christmas." In Liturgy, we are still celebrating the birth of Jesus, the coming of Christ -- the "Twelve Days of Christmas." Today is the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. The title "God-bearer" was given to Mary at an early ecumenical council. The council fathers were reflecting on the words of Scripture. St. Paul writes to the Galatians that in the fullness of time, God sent his son, born of a woman, that we might become adopted sons and daughters. Like Mary, we are called to "bear the Christ" in our family, community and society. Recent Popes have designated Jan 1 as World Day of Prayer for Peace. There is so much violence and fighting in the world. Peace is not just the end we pray but the task and the way. Peace is a path we all must take. On this day of resolutions, let us ask God to give us the grace to disarm ourselves; to avoid using our thoughts, words and deeds to attack another person. In Christ, we are called to be instruments of peace. The Book of Numbers gives us a good ending -- the blessing of Aaron: "May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord's face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace. " Amen
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Nativity of the Lord
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Epiphany of the Lord
