Word to the Wise
Sunday, January 1, 2017 - Jan. 1: The Octave Day of Christmas: Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Mother of God - ABC
[Num 6:22-27; Gal 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21]SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 SOLEMNITY OF MARY, HOLY MOTHER OF GOD [Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21] 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. The title of this feast is a bit deceiving. Mary doesn't get a lot of attention in the scriptures of the day: a passing reference in Galatians and a brief mention in the gospel. However, those of us who remember the pre-Vatican II calendar will also remember the former name of the feast, "The Circumcision." The current title is less graphic and probably easier to explain to curious kids! Nevertheless, the event of circumcision and the giving of a name are important in Jewish life, and the Gospel of Luke makes a point of portraying Mary and Joseph as faithful Jews, which, in turn, makes an extremely important point about Jesus. He, too, was a faithful Jew. Circumcision was a mark of faithfulness to the covenant of God with Abraham. When Greek rulers tried to abolish the practice in Israel in an effort to destroy Judaism, the Macchabean revolt occurred. The giving of a name is consistently an important event in the Old Testament. To say someone's name was to invoke the very person. That is why the event of the burning bush in Exodus is so important, when God reveals God's name to Moses. So, as we begin a new secular year, we tip our hats to Mary, but the focus remains on the baby. We know she will be a good Mom, but the little boy is going to do some greater things. Happy New Year! AMEN
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