Word to the Wise
Friday, January 1, 2010 - The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
[Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21]And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for al they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. [Luke]
Before the reform of the liturgical calendar after the Second Vatican Council, this feast was known as "the Circumcision." I think one would be justified in considering the change of title to be a good one! Nevertheless, the event was an important one for the parties involved. It marked the official identification of Jesus as a Jewish male! It also continues the point that Joseph and Mary were pious and obedient Jewish people. Furthermore, Mary and the shepherds are shown to be model disciples, reflecting on the Word of God and proclaiming it to the world. There is a lot of theology packed into a couple of lines! New Year's Day is not one of the more contemplative celebrations in our life unless it is because we may be sensitive to loud noises after the previous evening's celebration! Catholic pastors are aware that even if the day is a holy day of obligation (at least in the USA), the faithful seem blissfully unaware of that fact. Perhaps before we sit down to the usual round of football games, we could turn to the first scripture of the day from the Book of Numbers and say the blessing that the Lord gave to Moses to use for the people. Perhaps, too, if we are in the habit of making New Year's Resolutions (unconnected with the previous night's festivities!), we could resolve to bless one another more often, reflect on the Word of God, and proclaim it our world! To all my beloved congregation, I wish you a holy and blessed and "discipled" New Year of 2010!!! AMEN
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