Word to the Wise
Thursday, January 1, 2015 -
[Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21]And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. [Luke]
Prior to the Second Vatican Council, the emphasis of the feast day celebrated on New Year's Day was on the person of Jesus. The title of the feast, "The Circumcision of the Lord" certainly underlined that emphasis! With the reform of the liturgical calendar, the emphasis was shifted to Mary, whom the Gospel of Luke presents as the first and ideal disciple. The title of the feast, "Mary, the Holy Mother of God," was arrived at centuries ago by considerable debate! I think that has the effect of focusing on the person of Mary instead of the discipleship - her role as a woman of faith.
On New Year's Day we have the cultural custom of making resolutions for the year. May I suggest a focus on discipleship? Can we join Mary in the challenging role of following Jesus? On retreats I offer four questions that we can ask ourselves that can give us some very good "resolutions." How am I praying? How am I learning? How am I loving? How am I serving? A resolution or two in each of those areas can make 2015 a very good year.
To all my Beloved Congregation, I wish a very Happy, Healthy year of discipleship. The words of our first scripture today from the Book of Numbers contain my wish for you: "The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace." AMEN
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