New Year's Day
January 1, 2013
So, here we are at the door of another year. A new beginning. A particular moment inviting new beginnings. As a Church, we celebrate what many would not normally consider: another day when we give our prayer and attention to Mary under the title Mother of God. Does the designated feast day bring any significance to you? There are many ways people celebrate this day. For some it is the "unofficial" conclusion of the Christmas season, somehow forgetting that there are twelve days of Christmas. On Wednesday morning, used Christmas trees will take their places along the curb lines. Surprising, isn't it, that the commercial world has not worked to extend the sales and celebrations to Epiphany that would produce greater revenues!
What can we gather from the title of this feast day, Mary, Mother of God? At first reading or hearing Mother of Jesus might seem to be more what we think. Yes, Mary is so often understood as the mother of Jesus. But when we take note of the title Mother of God, there is the reality that Mary's role was more than Mom for the young child named Jesus. That she is called Mother of God should give us pause.
Mother of God: a human being with such a lofty title should make us stop and take note. We have to be careful that our frequent use of the title does not wear away the extraordinary role Mary has. look at how she lived her life: more ordinary than extraordinary.
We should try as best as we can to imitate the way she lived, her spirituality. It is a faith practice we can imitate. As we begin the new year, I invite you to allow Mary to be a part of your daily life. You will not be disappointed nor frustrated.
Again I extend to each of you my hope that your new year will be months marked by a new deepened experience of your faith, your relationship with Almighty God. May the Mother of God also be a unique and special Mother to you as well during this new year as we continue to make our way through A Year of Faith. Let the Mother of God walk with you on this special journey.
