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On this first day of the New
Year we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. The readings
speak of many things: God's blessing, our new status as children instead
of slaves, and the naming of the child Jesus. In the first reading God
instructs Moses on how to bless the people. After a year of war, terror,
and natural disasters, let us pray that the Lord will make his face
shine upon us!
May He look upon us kindly and give us peace. May we remember to
remain open to the Spirit of Jesus that came into our hearts at Baptism.
This is the Spirit that cries out "Abba," Daddy! Because of our
relationship to Christ, the Lord, our God has become our Daddy!
Luke tells us that on the eighth day, Mary and Joseph brought the child
for circumcision, according to the Law. They gave him the name Jesus,
which means “God is salvation.” That was the name the angel had given
them. In every age Jesus is God’s salvation for all people,.
For the last few weeks we have heard about the Advent people: Elizabeth
& Zechariah, Mary & Joseph, and John the Baptist. Their cooperation
helped bring about salvation. Each in their own way listened to God's
call and responded generously. Christ expects us to be the Advent people
for our day and age. He has blessed us, gifted us with his Spirit, and
he challenges us to live out the will of God in our lives. Where will it
take us? How will it change us? More importantly, how will it change our
world?
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