Driving to mass this past Sunday (1/1/17) with my mom I commented on the beautiful sunset over the city and how it would be perfect if it could be tied into the homily. This thought (and the fact that the sunset wasn't a part of the homily) inspired me to again take some time and write my own reflection on the readings.
This Sunday's Mass was not only a regular Sunday Mass and also wasn't simply the first mass of a new year, it was also the celebration of the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Between the new year, this solemnity, and the readings themselves there is a great deal to reflect upon.
As corny and hokie as I know what I am about to type sounds, it also rings true and is worth saying despite how corny and hokie it is. On December 31, at midnight we all celebrated the beginning of a new year. For many of us this included spending time with friends, drinking, too much food, and a laundry list of resolutions for the new year. New Year's Day is fittingly the Solemnity of the Mary, mother of God. I say fittingly because as the New Year brings innumerable possibilities, as well as a fresh perspective on life and new start, Mary's yes and willingness to bring into this world Jesus the Christ brings a new way of looking at the entirety of human history. Jesus provides us with a new way to not only look at a new year but all of eternity (I told you it was corny and hokie).
Bearing this in mind it is Mary's yes, subsequently Jesus' life and mission, that allows us to look at the world in a whole new light. Simply put, without Mary, without Jesus we are stuck in a year that never ends, we are unable to look to the future with the renewed joy and anticipation that we associate with a New Year.
In the first reading from Numbers we hear the following, "The LORD said to Moses: 'Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them: The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them." (Numbers 6:22-27). Beautiful words, words that may call to your mind 'the Irish Blessing' as they did for me (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVroLvppiYM).
These however were simply words. Beautiful, meaningful, loving words, but words none the less. Through Mary's yes, through Jesus' presence physically as a human in the world we are permitted to now see the blessings God has for us in the created order itself. Little everyday blessings like that of a beautiful sunset.
In the second reading we hear Paul's words ring true in our own lives. "When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.* As proof that you are children,* God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!' So that you are no longer a slave but a child,* and if a child* then also an heir, through God." (Galatians (4:4-7). These words highlight in their own way how the birth of Jesus into this world has a lasting impact upon our lives.
Finally in the Gospel we hear a narrative of Jesus' birth. This stresses the important role that Mary played. Luke (2:16-21) perhaps unknowingly and perhaps only implicitly calls the readers attention to the reality that it was Mary, the mother of God, who through her yes, and through her womb made the birth of Jesus possible.
As you move on throughout your day and your week ponder the following thing:
Where would we be without our mothers?
Where would Jesus be without his mother?
Where would we be without Jesus?
What little everyday blessings will you see in the world around you?
*Changed from son(s) for the purpose of inclusivity.
