GOD’S WORD

January 1, 2017 (Sunday) Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Octave of Christmas)

1st Reading: Num 6:22-27

Then Yahweh spoke to Moses saying, “Speak to Aaron and his sons and say to them: This is how you shall bless the people of Israel; you shall say: May Yahweh bless you and keep you! May Yahweh let his face shine on you, and be gracious to you!

May Yahweh look kindly on you, and give you his peace!

In that way shall they put my name on the people of Israel and I will bless them.“

2nd Reading: Gal 4:4-7

But when the fullness of time came, God sent his Son. He came, born of woman, and subject to the law, in order to redeem the subjects of the law, that we might receive adoption, as children of God. And because you are children, God has sent into your hearts, the spirit of his Son, who cries out: Abba! that is, Father!

You, yourself, are no longer a slave, but a son or daughter, and yours is the inheritance, by God’s grace.

Gospel: Lk 2:16-21

So they came hurriedly, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the feeding trough. On seeing him, they related what they had been told about the child; and all were astonished on hearing the shepherds.

As for Mary, she treasured all these words, and pondered them in her heart.

The shepherds then returned giving glory and praise to God for all they had heard and seen, just as the angels had told them.

On the eighth day, the circumcision of the baby had to be performed; he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Reflection:

God teaches Moses and Aaron the formula for blessing in God’s Name. In and through Mary, the blessing takes flesh and lives among people. Shepherds receive and witness to the blessing incarnate.

The year begins with the message of blessing. God’s blessing comes to us through the mediation of people around us–like the instrumentality of Moses, Aaron, and Mary. We are, in turn, called to be carriers of this blessing into the lives of others–like the shepherds did. Am I ready to be a conduit of God’s blessing?

Pray: Baby Jesus, bless me and make my life a blessing for the people around me.

Act: On this first day of a new year, bless the members of your family/community using the formula of blessing given by Yahweh.