Today, as we step into a
new year 2025, the Catholic Church invites us to reflect on the profound
mystery of Mary as the Holy Mother of God (Theotokos). This feast not
only honors her unique role in salvation history but also offers a roadmap for
Christians navigating the challenges and hopes of the year ahead. Drawing from
today’s biblical readings, Numbers 6:22-26, Galatians 4:4-6, and Luke 2:16-21, let
us uncover key messages that illuminate our path throughout this new year.
A Year Blessed by God’s Presence
In the Book of Numbers,
God instructs Moses to tell Aaron to bless the Israelites with these words: “The
LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be
gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
This passage underscores
that every person in God's divine plan has a specific role to play. Moses
served as a leader, while Aaron fulfilled the role of a priest. God respects
each individual's unique mission within the roles He assigns.
The beauty of this
division of responsibilities lies in the harmony it fosters, leaving no room
for competition, comparison, or jealousy. When we identify our unique missions
and live them out, we align ourselves with the divine plan, achieving the
highest purpose we can attain on earth.
Returning to the “words
of blessing,” Aaron was instructed to pray that the Lord’s face would shine
upon the Israelites. This echoes the episode of Moses encountering God on the
holy mountain (cf. Exodus 34:29), where Moses’ face radiated God's glory
after his intimate meeting with Him.
God’s blessings also
include the gift of peace, or shalom. The Hebrew word shalom (שָׁלוֹם), often translated as “peace,” encompasses
far more than the absence of conflict. It signifies wholeness, well-being, and
harmony with God, self, and others. The phrase “make His face shine upon you”
symbolizes God’s favor and presence, reflecting divine guidance and protection.
As we enter a new year, let this passage remind us that true peace and
prosperity flow from living under God’s watchful and loving presence. It calls
us to trust in God’s chesed (steadfast love) and emunah
(faithfulness) to sustain us through every trial.
Living as Children of God : St. Paul writes: “When
the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under
the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to
sonship” (Galatians 4:4–5).
Becoming more aware of our identity as sons and daughters of God leads to
inner freedom. This profound reality is made possible through the Holy Spirit
dwelling within us.
The Greek word huiothesia, translated as “adoption to sonship,” emphasizes our new identity in Christ. Through
Jesus’ incarnation and Mary’s fiat (“let it be done”), we are no longer
slaves to sin but children of God, heirs of His promises. The indwelling of the
Holy Spirit enables us to cry out, “Abba, Father”—a term expressing intimate
trust and reliance on God.
This passage invites us to embrace our identity as beloved children of
God and to live in freedom and confidence. Just as Mary’s motherhood brought
Jesus into the world, her intercession helps us live out our divine
inheritance. Through her maternal care and God’s grace, we are continually
called to grow into the fullness of our identity as God’s children.
A Heart Attentive to God’s Wonders : The Gospel recounts the shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem and their
encounter with the Christ Child: ‘The shepherds returned, glorifying and
praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as
they had been told. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in
her heart.’
The Greek word ‘symballō’
used for Mary pondering these events, suggests deep reflection; bringing
together fragments of God’s work to discern His plan. Mary models the
contemplative heart, one that listens, trusts, and responds to God’s unfolding
will.
As we begin this year,
we can make ours the attitude of Mother Mary, “keeping the Word in our heart”, “Pondering
or Meditating on it”. Amidst life’s busyness, we can and should find time to treasure and reflect on God’s blessings
and mysteries. In doing so, we allow God to shape our vision and priorities for
the year ahead.
A Roadmap for 2025 : In the light of the Word
of God on this first day of the year consecrated to Peace, we can allow
ourselves to be inspired.
Begin with God’s
Blessing: Like the Israelites, let us seek
God’s face daily through prayer and trust in His shalom. We can start
each day with gratitude and faith in His providence.
Live as God’s Children: Let the truth of our identity in Christ shape our actions and
relationships. We can learn then to approach life’s challenges with the
assurance that we are loved and
redeemed.
Ponder God’s Wonders: May we cultivate a heart like
Mary’s, one that is open to God’s surprises and attentive to His guidance.
Reflect regularly on how God is working in your life.
A Year with Mary
As we stand at the
threshold of a new year, let us take Mary’s hand and journey with her towards
deeper union with Christ. Her role as the Theotokos, the God-bearer, reminds
us of our own calling to bear Christ’s light to the world. May her example
inspire us to live with faith, hope, and love, making this year one of
transformative grace and peace.
Let us entrust ourselves
to her maternal care and echo her fiat: “Let it be done to me according to
your word.” (Luke 1:38)
Blessed New Year!🙏🙏🙏
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