Scripture
Luke 2:16-18 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and saw the baby lying in the manger. When the shepherds saw him, they told them what the angel had said about the child. All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Reflection Today is more than a celebration of a new calendar year. Today we celebrate the Feast of Mary Mother of God. It’s an opportunity to honour Mary, the Mother of God, and our mother too, who said “yes” in the name of all of us. Her “yes” enabled God to take flesh in the Person of Jesus, who came as a humble baby who would grow and walk in our midst, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. With grace and courageous faith, Mary cooperated fully with what God asked of her; not just at the Annunciation, but each and every day of her life as she lived out God’s plan for her. Difficult though it can be sometimes to believe or accept, God does have a plan for each us. Can we follow the example of Mary? Can we put our faith, hope and trust in God? Can we ponder and treasure in our hearts all that happens to us? Mary is often given the title ‘Queen of Peace’ and today is also World Day of Peace. We know that sadly there are many people and countries suffering because of violence and random acts of terrorism. Some of these acts of violence take place in our own communities and in our own streets. Today we pray to Mary, Mother of God, and Queen of Peace, to help us play our part in breaking down barriers of hate and fear and bring whispers of hope. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Prayer We pray that in the year ahead we, like Mary, will cooperate with God in the ongoing mission of Christ, the Prince of Peace. Father of Jesus, You who sent your angels to herald your Son’s coming with cries of peace. Hear our cry now that your peace may touch all corners of our world. You whose Son called all peacemakers blessed, Help us forge peace in your name. Peace among nations. Peace among neighbours. Peace among families. When we look back on this time may we recall it as the time we all heard the angels’ cry And worked together to reveal that peace to all. A peace worthy of God, born into the world. Amen. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Music Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God. We celebrate the solemnity with the traditional piece Salve Regina recorded by 450 voices from 33 different countries during the pandemic. |