January 1, 2023: Mary, The Holy Mother of God
Catholic Social Teaching: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
World Day of Peace message by Pope Francis for January 1, 2023
Readings
First Reading: Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm: 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel Acclamation: Hebrews 1:1-2
Gospel: Luke 2:16-21
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Called in the Gospels “the mother of Jesus”, Mary is acclaimed by Elizabeth, at the prompting of the Spirit and even before the birth of her son, as “the mother of my Lord”.144 In fact, the One whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father’s eternal Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Hence the Church confesses that Mary is truly “Mother of God” (Theotokos). (495) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to Mary, The Holy Mother of God, Cycle A, B and C
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church:
Numbers 6:26
In biblical revelation, peace is much more than the simple absence of war; it represents the fullness of life (cf. Mal 2:5). Far from being the work of human hands, it is one of the greatest gifts that God offers to all men and women, and it involves obedience to the divine plan. Peace is the effect of the blessing that God bestows upon his people: “The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace” (Num 6:26). This peace produces fruitfulness (Is 48:19), well-being (cf. Is 48:18), prosperity (cf. Is 54:13), absence of fear (cf. Lev 26:6) and profound joy (cf. Pr 12:20). (489)
Galatians 4:4-7
The new reality that Jesus Christ gives us is not grafted onto human nature nor is it added from outside: it is rather that reality of communion with the Trinitarian God to which men and women have always been oriented in the depths of their being, thanks to their creaturely likeness to God. But this is also a reality that people cannot attain by their own forces alone. Through the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, in whom this reality of communion has already been brought about in a singular manner, men and women are received as children of God (cf. Rom 8:14-17; Gal 4:4-7). By means of Christ, we share in the nature of God, who gives us infinitely more “than all that we ask or think” (Eph 3:20). What mankind has already received is nothing more than a token or a “guarantee” (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:14) of what it will receive in its fullness only in the presence of God, seen “face to face” (1 Cor 13:12), that is, a guarantee of eternal life: “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (Jn 17:3). (122)
Galatians 4:6
The Face of God, progressively revealed in the history of salvation, shines in its fullness in the Face of Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead. God is Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; truly distinct and truly one, because God is an infinite communion of love. God’s gratuitous love for humanity is revealed, before anything else, as love springing from the Father, from whom everything draws its source; as the free communication that the Son makes of this love, giving himself anew to the Father and giving himself to mankind; as the ever new fruitfulness of divine love that the Holy Spirit pours forth into the hearts of men (cf. Rom 5:5).
By his words and deeds, and fully and definitively by his death and resurrection. Jesus reveals to humanity that God is Father and that we are all called by grace to become his children in the Spirit (cf. Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6), and therefore brothers and sisters among ourselves. It is for this reason that the Church firmly believes that “the key, the centre and the purpose of the whole of man’s history is to be found in her Lord and Master. (31)
Galatians 4:6-7
The salvation offered by God to his children requires their free response and acceptance. It is in this that faith consists, and it is through this that “man freely commits his entire self to God”[40], responding to God’s prior and superabundant love (cf. 1 Jn 4:10) with concrete love for his brothers and sisters, and with steadfast hope because “he who promised is faithful” (Heb 10:23). In fact, the divine plan of salvation does not consign human creatures to a state of mere passivity or of lesser status in relation to their Creator, because their relationship to God, whom Jesus Christ reveals to us and in whom he freely makes us sharers by the working of the Holy Spirit, is that of a child to its parent: the very relationship that Jesus lives with the Father (cf. Jn 15-17; Gal 4:6-7). (39)
For complete text visit: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html
Reflection
The first liturgical reading in the New Year is a blessing the Lord gave to Moses. A blessing with similar wording to 8th century BC archeological vessels from the upper Sinai peninsula and 7th century BC silver pieces deposited in graves in the Hinnon Valley near Jerusalem. An acclamation affirming humanity’s knowledge of God’s compassion for them. The positiveness of God letting His face shine upon them, with a gracious spirit bestowing peace. Peace not defined as just the absence of violent conflict, but the essence of shalom imparting wholeness and wellbeing. Historically rooted for the priestly class of Aaron in offering blessing to all people. Mary personified a model believer receiving this blessing in giving her the openness to say “Yes” to God’s will. If she had an adversarial perspective of God grounded in judgment, she would have displayed a hesitancy. A reminder anytime we hear people, clergy or laity, prioritizing judgmental theology, a casual sharing of this scripture would be a positive reminder to offer. Just like the shepherds modeled sharing the message they received from the angel and left all who heard it amazed. In the process the shepherds glorified and praised God. An initiative of the lowly, outcast of society priming Mary and all who heard their perspective to take God’s words to heart. As we are blessed by God, we are strengthened to live our lives as children of God in His image and likeness. A blessing signifying we share in God’s life, His creation. No longer slaves but heirs, for believers from any spiritual heritage, since scripture uses inclusive language that WE receive adoption since God sent the Spirit of His Son into OUR hearts for US to call God Abba, Father. A common Father desiring we use the blessings He gives us to unite humanity.
Individual Reflection: Galatians 4:4-7
If you were going to write a World Day of Peace message, what concerns would you highlight?
Family Reflection: Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
Celebrate the New Year by making giant pretzels
https://www.food.com/recipe/new-years-pretzels-7830
Prayer: January 3rd is the Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. Reflect on what we profess when we say the name of Jesus. Learn about the historical development of this through scripture and a diversity of religious orders:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/most-holy-name-of-jesus/
Blogs to Visit:
As we reflect upon Mary’s presence in the mysteries of the Rosary, we are blessed to know her. For her journey, a timeless trek, calls us to surrender, continuing conversion, humbleness and justice now.
https://peaceonjustice.wordpress.com/
Weekly lectionary reflections, for faith sharing groups, parish bulletins, newsletters or personal prayer, from the synergy of the Word we hear and the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching.
https://cst74life.wordpress.com/
Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.
How we do Catholic Social Teaching.
https://csmresources.wordpress.com/
Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.
Social Ministry Resources Engaging Parishes: Monthly and liturgical seasons resources for use with parish websites, bulletins and newsletters
Involvement Opportunities
List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites
By Barb Born December 29, 2022 St Thomas Beckett Pray for us ! The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.