It is the first day of the new year, the octave of Christmas, and the Church honors it by marking it as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. First, let me mention just a little background about this feast. The title “Mother of God” is from the Greek word Theotokus. It was given to Mary at the Council of Ephesus in 431 A.D., making it the oldest feast of Mary celebrated by the Catholic Church.
One of parts of the Gospel that struck me was when Luke says, “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart”. Although these are only a few words, they reveal a lot about Mary. She is seen as one who contemplates all that is happening surrounding the birth of her son. She ponders this and is therefore the true teacher of prayer. So what does all this mean for me as a college student? I know that as a student, I am always thinking, trying to further my knowledge. For many others, their minds are occupied with thoughts of their jobs, families, and other responsibilities. The one thing for certain is that our thoughts dictate our actions, but what thoughts should I have? I think that our thoughts should imitate those of the saints. They were people who contemplated the life and teachings of Jesus. By having this as their primary thought, the saints behaved in a state of holiness. So the main thing we can focus on this year is by pondering the life of Jesus. The best way to do this is the rosary, for then we can try to see Jesus as Mary sees him. Since she is his mother, she has the deepest understanding of him. She is like our mediator to Christ. Therefore, instead of making resolutions that I know I will forget in a month, I will change the way of thinking so I can truly contemplate Jesus and follow him more closely.
Besides being the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the Church also recognizes this day as the world day of prayer for peace. The child that Mary gave birth to is the Prince of Peace. As we hear in the second reading from Galatians, we are not only adoptive sons, but “also an heir, through God”. Therefore, we are the disciples of the Prince of Peace. But what does this really mean? For me, this means that we, just like Jesus, must seek to bring forth peace in our world. This can only happen with prayer, for peace will not come by my willing it. On the other hand, it must be a gift of God. Just as Mary was the means that brought Jesus into the world, we must be instruments through which God can bring peace. Let this year be one where we seek reconciliation in our lives and bring the joy and praise of God, just as the shepherds, to those around us.
May you have a blessed Solemnity of Mary and a Happy New Year!!
