SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

From all of us at The Word Among Us, Happy New Year! We rejoice that you are beginning your year with God’s word and honoring Mary as the Mother of God.

In today’s Gospel, we find Mary quietly reflecting on all that has led up to the birth of her son. The search for a place to stay, giving birth in a stable, the visit of shepherds—it was a lot to take in. But rather than grumble, Mary chooses to reflect on these bewildering events.

We also find the shepherds “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). As heaven breaks into their lives, these ordinary men respond with great joy and excitedly tell everyone they meet about the newborn Savior and the angels’ message.

Are you more likely to ponder or to proclaim? Are you excitedly telling everyone your hopes and dreams for the year? Or are you quietly contemplating the events around you and the stirrings of your own heart? Both responses are appropriate. You may even choose both in the same day!

Like Mary, you can reflect on

• how God has surprised you in the past year.
• any questions or prayers that you are asking the Lord to answer in the coming year.

Like the shepherds, you can share with others

• a grace that you saw in your life in the past year.
• words from Scripture or the Mass that have special meaning to you.

Mary, Mother of God, brought forth Jesus into the world. Now you, too, have the opportunity to bring him forth as you turn your heart to him and share his goodness with those around you.

“Lord, I surrender this year to you. I trust you to lead me in wonder and joy to your perfect plans for me.”

Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:16-22