OUR HOPES AND PLANS UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
There is no time more appropriate to consecrate ourselves to the patronage of Mary, Mother of God, more than the beginning of a new start of the year. Usually, the New Year start is always one that is apprehensive, tense and worrisome for all with a mixed feeling of hopes and fears for the future. These feelings are normal, natural and human. Yet, they invite us to have recourse to God and his divine plan and promise for us.
This is why the Church, in her wisdom, has not only recognized and declared divine maternity of Mary, Mother of God: Theotokos.
In the Church, through the Council of Ephesus in 451 AD, Mary was declared Mother of God, Theotokos. When acknowledging the divine Godhead, Jesus Christ her Son, as one being with Trinitarian God with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
She also sets this feast at the first of the New Year. Here, we affirm the plan of God for humanity was made perfect in Mary at the fullness of time. As such, we lay down our plans or purpose under the patronage of Mary will be made whole and fruitful in God.
OUR THEME
The readings of this special day and holy feast invite us to count our blessings in the divine providence and intervention of God in every moment and history of our existence. We need blessings, protection and the graciousness of God to weather through the inevitable challenges of life.
However, the motherhood of Mary to God and to us assures us of her constant intercession for us. Through Mary, we find safe protection from dangers and evil. We have the assurance of God through the love and care of Mary.
Hence, the readings of the New Year are all about positive attitude, disposition and abandonment to divine grace, blessing and mercy of God.
FIRST READING: NUMBERS 6:22-27
God, through Moses, instructed Aaron and the priests on how to declare His Choicest blessings, protection and grace upon the children of Israel. The Lord bless you and keep you; Amen! The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; Amen! The Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen!
Therefore, the Lord of Time, History and Life declares unfailing blessings, safeguard, shinning favours, graciousness, peace and kindness on his people. Through the instruments of his Prophet Moses and priests Aaron and his Sons.
Hence, the solemn priestly prayer for God to bless and protect us is especially apt at the beginning of a new year.
The psalmist in Psalm 66 declares: May God bless us in his mercy! Amen! As well as invites us to trust in his goodness and graciousness. And equally, praise and revere his name at all ages!
SECOND READING: GALATIANS 4:4-7
In his letter to the Church of Galata, St Paul brings home to our understanding of the central message of the feast of today: Mary, Mother of God. For him, our inheritance, adaption, and privilege in God through Christ Jesus is all possible through Mary.
Her total disposition to say yes to the divine plan of God. Hence, Mary, Mother of God, is also our Mother. Through Mary, we are coheir with Christ, and we can call God Abba, Father and Papa! What a unique, singular privilege and honour!
Again, St. Paul assures us how the God of history, time and life concretize his Presence in human nature and history. Through the mystery of the Incarnation breaking down all barriers to grace and abundance in Christ Jesus. This Makes us coheirs with only Begotten Son, and as such declare openly: Abba! Father!! Papa!!! And Daddy of all time, place and situations. Amen
THE GOSPEL: LUKE 2:16-21
The Evangelist Luke presents to us the fullness of God´s revelation and salvific plan to save and redeem mankind through Jesus Christ. The predestined plan was made possible through Mary cooperation. Today, we witness the shepherds visit the manager. Later, Jesus is circumcised and named.
The Virgin Mary, Mother of God, shows us how to reap the blessings, spiritual grace, mercy and divine favour from the Word of God in our hearts, life and Christian living. She did meditate on them, especially when he did not understand God’s intended purpose and plan for her. Lk.2:16-21
BASIC POINTS OF REFLECTION FROM THE GOSPEL
1. There is a fulfilment of God´s plan in Christ Jesus! Christ is the fullness of the revelation to God to us. In him, God fulfils, restores and saves us for damnation.
2. The shepherds´ testimony of the angels’ declaration of Good news to Israel and their worship and praises of God. Our New Year should be filled with songs, praise worship and an overflowing heart of gratitude. For what God has done, He is still doing for us and will do for us in the future.
3. Mary´s virtue of contemplation of God´s word and internalizing it in her heart at all times. Here, we see a perfect example of converting our worries into prayers. Especially when we do not understand the plan or purpose of God for our lives.
4. Through the Blessed Virgin Mary, God has done so much for us. We need her patronage, intercession, and exemplary lifestyle to cooperate and fulfil the plan of God for us. This is the core message of this feast: Mary Mother of God.
BIBLICAL VERSES FOR THE NEW YEAR
I invite you all to always and everywhere declare, claim and apply these biblical passages on yourself. As well as that of your family, friends, plans, New Year Resolution and situation as you pass unto 2022.
1. Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you
hope and a future.
2. Isaiah 43.1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
3. Lastly, Ps.23. The Lord is my Shepherd….there is nothing I shall
lack…..
4. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me.
These are some of the most comforting passages of the Bible. Where God ease our care and worries for the future
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
On January 1, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. The English title of this feast, Mother of God, is a literal translation of the Latin title Mater Dei.
The Church puts the feast of this solemnity on the first day of the New Year to emphasize the importance of salvation history. That is the role of Mary in the life of Christ the Church and in our economy of salvation.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the Virgin Mary is acknowledged and honoured as being truly the Mother of God and of the Redeemer Jesus Christ.
The title Mother of God goes back to the third or fourth century. However, the Greek term Theotokos which means God-bearer was officially consecrated as Catholic doctrine at the Council of Ephesus in 431, thus becoming the first Marian dogma.
This Catholic doctrine is based on the mystery of the Incarnation. As it was expressed by St. Paul: God sent his So, born of a woman, born under the law Galatians 4:4.
The gospel of Luke 1:35 affirmed the divine maternity when the angel said, the Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.
The solemnity shows the relationship of Jesus to Mary. It is a perfect example of how we should venerate Mary under all of her titles. And it is a good foundation for our understanding of the place of Mary in Christology.
Interestingly, the Vatican II document: Dogmatic Constitution ( Lumen Gentium – Light of the people) calls Mary, Mother of God, twelve times.
In 1970, Pope Paul VI instituted the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. He explained this in the encyclical on devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Marialis Cultus.
The Pope wrote that this celebration was assigned to January 1 in conformity with the ancient liturgy. That was present in the Church of the city of Rome. It is meant to commemorate the part played by Mary in the mystery of salvation.
The oldest Christian greeting of Mary was proclaimed when her relative Elizabeth called her Mother of my Lord. In fact, when Elizabeth welcomed Mary, she recognized both the great privilege God had given Mary and the great faith of Mary in accepting it.
For centuries, Mary has been praised because she believed. She is the Mother of God because of her faith in God. The solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, celebrates the faith of Mary and trust in God alone.
Mary was a living tabernacle of the love of God when she said, behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. Luke 1: 38.
Mary has become a vehicle of grace to others. A model of great humility worthy of emulation.
According to the catechism, by her complete adherence to the will of God, the FATHER. Through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, Son of. Mary. By the prompting of the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary is the model of faith and charity in the Church.
Thus, Mary is a prominent and wholly unique member of the Church. Indeed, she is the exemplary realization of the Church.
What an honour and privilege to begin the New Year 2022 with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. It is an indication and an invitation to start the year with the Lord of Time, History and Life. That is her son Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega, the First and Last, the Rock of ages.
Therefore, we should confidently enter the New Year with hearts full of Thanksgivings. At the same time, we are encouraged to present our acts of reparation, of petitions and of resolutions into the hands of GOD: Generator, Operator and Director of our existence and affairs of life.
OUR PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, at the end of the year 2021, we recognize and acknowledge your goodness, mercy and grace in our lives. And we bless and praise you for such unmerited favours and blessings.
As we initiate the new year of 2022, help us consecrate and live under the divine patronage of your Mother and our Mother. The Blessed Virgin Mary, whose divine maternity we celebrate today.
And like your priest Aaron, may we declare throughout the year unto ourselves and everyone around us.
The LORD bless you and keep you! Amen.
The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you! Amen.
The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Amen and Amen.
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