Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
(Number 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21)
Those who have lived a long time remember that today’s celebration
feast has changed in a number of times in their lifetime. Before the Vatican II reforms, Jesus’
circumcision (one might say his “Jewishness”) was recalled today. Even today some think of January 1 as the “World
Day of Peace.” Sensing that the first
day of the year augurs what will take place on the remaining days, it is right
that we pray for peace today. However,
that’s hardly why it is a day of obligation to attend mass. Only since 1969 has January 1 been recognized
throughout the Roman Catholic Church as “the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin
Mary.”
Orthodox Christians pray to the Lord on Christmas Day in a
way that beautifully highlights the reason for today’s feast. They pray, “O
Christ, what shall we offer You for Your coming on earth as a Man for our sake?
Every creature that has its being
from You give thanks to You.” The
prayer then names what angels, shepherds, and the earth bring to Jesus on his
birthday. It concludes: “As for us,
we offer You a Mother, a Virgen Mother.”
As a model Mary incorporates the virtues of the Christian
life. She is also a powerful intercessor
as demonstrated in John’s gospel. Today
we honor her as God’s mother for having given birth to His Son, our Lord Jesus
Christ.
