The first of the new year, we dedicate to Mary, the Holy Mother of God. During all the months of the year, we must understand that we have feast days of Mary, who is our good intercessor to God because her heart knows everything we have been going through. Through Mary, we pray with her the beginning of this new year 2024 as we offer our intentions, and together we humbly ask our Mother Mary to pray for us with the new gifts, good health and prosperity.
The year 2024 is still a mystery, and it is hard to determine our future; however, we join the Blessed Mother to reflect upon these things. We also join the shepherds, who returned to their fields after the awesome experience of the birth of the Lord Jesus, glorifying God for all that had happened to them. They were rejoicing for their new vision and the new lives granted to them by Jesus, the Savior.
We honor Mary as the “Mother of God.” It is good for us to understand and remember her good example and guidance.
First, Mother Mary is one of us who, with her humility, participated in God’s plan of salvation. With Mother Mary’s unselfish love, she devoted herself to loving her son, Jesus, and being his first disciple as she watched and learned the ultimate meaning of her calling.
Second, with Mary, this is with full hope ushering us to center on Jesus. Mary is here, placing us with her son. We are committed to the dignity of every human person and for peace in the world.
Third, Mary’s attitude is exemplary. Her greatness does not lie primarily in what she did, but rather in what she allowed God to do with and in her, in her total availability to God’s desire for her. She is not equal to God; instead she teaches us that being a first disciple of Jesus is a matter of the heart. She allows herself to be transformed in her thoughts and actions.
On this feast of the Solemnity of the Blessed Mary, the Mother of God, let us always be inspired to grow in the love for Jesus.
Blessings to all and happy New Year!
Fr. Arlon, osa
