Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God - Year A
January 1, 2017
Gospel: Lk 2:16-21
The shepherds went in haste (1) to Bethlehem
and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw
this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All
who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary
kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds
returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as
it had been told to them.
When eight days were completed for his circumcision (2), he was named
Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived (3) in the womb.
http://www.usccb.org
The difficult words
(1)In haste means quickly, hurrying.
(2)Circumcision
is a small operation performed on all Jewish boys shortly after they are born.
It is a sign that they belong to the people of Israel.
(3)A baby is
conceived when he/she first comes to life inside of his/her mother.
This week’s spotlight
The Book of Numbers
Numbers is part of the Pentateuch, that is, one of the first five books
of the Old Testament. Despite its name, this book is not about learning to
count! It does,however, count the descendants of the great families of the
history of Israel. The Book of Numbers also tells about the Hebrews' journey
across the desert with Moses.
The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of
God
Throughout the year, we commemorate the great moments in the life of
Jesus. We just finished Advent, when we remember John the Baptist's preaching.
Now, in Christmas time, we recall the events surrounding Christ's birth.
Today's feast celebrates Mary. She is not just the mother of an ordinary baby.
She is truly the Mother of God. As God began to dwell among us through her, so
we begin the New Year with her. Today we especially ask Mary, the Queen of
Peace, to pray for peace in the world in 2017.
Reflection
Begin the new year in trust!
To begin the year, we celebrate Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Gospel
brings us to the Nativity scene. Mary is listening to the shepherds tell about
what happened to them. Angels announced to them: “Today in the city of David a
Savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord." She then remembers
the angel’s message at the Annunciation, and how Elizabeth greeted her when she
went to visit her. As she remembers those moments and thinks of what the
shepherds are telling her, she realizes how, through these events, God is
speaking to her. He is giving her signs, keeping his promise. God does not
change his mind, he does what he says he will do.
Mary knows she can count on God. Her trust becomes greater and stronger
with each event in her life. Do you ever think about God speaking to you? He is
really there! Start paying attention to what moves your heart toward love. You
will discover how close God is in your life. May this New Year help trust to
grow in you, just as it did in Mary. May God’s presence fill you, like the
shepherds, with wonder and amazement.
Discussion questions
1.Who did the shepherds see in Bethlehem?
2.What did the shepherds do on their way home?
3.What did they do for Jesus when he is 8 days old?
4.Who names “Jesus” for the child?
5.What does “Jesus” mean?
After receiving Holy Communion, you can say this prayer
silently to yourself. If you have not yet received your First Communion, you
can still
say this prayer
because of your desire to receive Jesus.
Father, through Jesus, in communion with the whole
Church, I thank you for coming into my heart. You always keep your promises. Help me to place all you, as Mary did.
With her, we ponder the great things you have done for us through this
Eucharist.
This week…
Have confidence
Like Mary, take time to think. Look at your life
and find an event that shows what God has done for you. Think about it each day
of this week so that you too can say: "I trust you."
Be amazed
Each day of this week, look for something that
fills you with wonder. It can be a very thoughtful act, a kind word, an attitude,
beautiful scenery, or some special moment. Then, offer this to the Lord in your
evening prayers.
Source: usccb.org - Magnifikid - sermons4kids.com – rclblectionary.com
–usccb.org/bible/readings-audio.cfm