JANUARY 01, 2012
The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Reading 1: 1 Numbers 6: 22-27
Psalm: Ps 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8
Reading 2: 2 Galatians 4: 4-7
Gospel: Luke 2: 16-21
Today is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. The shepherds, the poor and excluded of Israel, were the first ones to hear of the Lord’s birth. It was not the powerful, influential, rich, wealthy, “religious” and self-righteous who first heard about the good news of Jesus’ birth but the lowly people who pinned their hopes on the coming of their Messiah. They went in haste to Bethlehem. They were also the first ones to see the holy family – Mary and Joseph, and the infant Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes in the manger. Joy filled the hearts of the shepherds. Joy also flooded the hearts of Mary and Joseph. Mary treasured her motherhood and the events in her heart. Joy prevailed over the sleepy town of Bethlehem. With the outpouring of joy, the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God.
We experience joy in our lives. But what brings us joy? What amazes our hearts? Christmas is a time to experience deep joy, the sort of joy that only the Lord can give. What sort of joy makes us indebted to the Lord so that like the shepherds we, too with grateful hearts, may turn to God glorifying and praising Him. Can we, like the shepherds, also bring joy to other people so that they, too, may turn to God glorifying and praising him?
Another important part of the Gospel reading is the naming of Jesus (rite of circumcision). In Jewish culture, names are very important. The name Jesus means “Yahweh saves.” Jesus invites us to share in the work of salvation, not that we are indispensable in his mission but Jesus simply wants us to experience the joy of being co-laborers in his vineyard. As we begin the New Year, we ask ourselves, what mission of salvation is the Lord asking us to participate? What are we called to collaborate with him in his mission?
FR ANTONIO F MORENO SJ
University President
