Solemnity of Mary,
the Holy Mother of God
(Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21)
Scientists have reported significant medical benefits from
infant circumcision. The procedure is
said to reduce the risk of a large range of pathologies from the HIV virus to
cervical cancer in sexual partners. These
findings corroborate what was at the root of the practice in ancient Israel: the
awareness that the male foreskin is a locus of impurity. The gospel today shows Jesus undergoing
circumcision, but its concern transcends preventing disease.
Mary and Joseph have Jesus circumcised because they are
pious Jews intent on obeying the prescriptions of Jewish law. The gospel of Luke portrays Mary as
particularly intent on fulfilling the word of God. The angel Gabriel told her that the name of
the child was to be named “Jesus” – a mandate that is duly carried out
here. Mary also keeps all the happenings
of Jesus birth in her heart because she knows that they are ordered by God’s
command.
In Mary we have both a grand intercessor and a model. We should feel free to bring our needs to
this woman who sits so close to God. We
should also strive to imitate Mary throughout 2015. In these turbulent times we could benefit
from both her contemplative spirit and her obedience to God’s commands.
