In many Eastern traditions, it was customary for local musicians—often referred to as minstrels—to gather at a family’s home and welcome a newborn with songs and instrumental music. Barclay beautifully suggests that the minstrelsy of heaven took the place of the minstrelsy of earth: where human musicians could not gather, angels filled the night sky with songs of praise. It is equally significant that this heavenly announcement was not given to the noble or influential but to humble shepherds in the fields. These shepherds became the first witnesses of the angelic songs and later shared what they had seen with Mary and Joseph in the stable.
When Mary heard the shepherds’ story, she was most likely reminded of the wonders God had already worked in her life. She was filled with deep gratitude and awe, and, as the Gospel tells us, she treasured all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Such encounters with God’s mystery cannot simply be set aside; There is a constant longing to respond to God’s grace.
As I reflect on Mary’s sense of awe and wonder, I am reminded of Kris Kristofferson’s song, Why Me Lord:
“Why me Lord, what have I ever done
To deserve even one
Of the pleasures I’ve known…
Tell me Lord, what did I ever do
That was worth loving You
Or the kindness You’ve shown.”
Theologians tell us that the Priestly Blessing from the first reading (Numbers 6:24–26) was already more than 1,400 years old by Jesus’ time and was widely used in Jewish life. Parents and elders blessed their children by placing their hands on them and saying, “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.” As Mary contemplated the gift of her newborn son, she surely recognized God’s profound gift, for she had been invited to participate in salvation history as the Mother of God.
As we celebrate the feast of our Mother Mary and welcome the New Year—a precious gift from God—we remember that His blessing rests on us, for we are His sons and daughters, as St. Paul reminds us in Galatians. As God’s children, we share in His abundance. May we focus not on what we lack but on the many gifts God has given, and may we be generous in sharing with those in need.
As Mary shared her life with Jesus, may we share our blessings with everyone—especially the poor—In doing so, we can truly sing, “Why me, Lord, what have I ever done to deserve even one of the pleasures I’ve known?”
Rev. George Meze, SJ
I am Fr. Vilezo George Meze SJ, originally from India. I am doing my EdD studies and serve as a spiritual director with Campus Ministry. Before coming to the U.S., I spent a decade working in school administration among Indigenous communities in Northeast India.
