RBWords

     One of the more dramatic changes in the liturgical calendar after the Second Vatican Council was in the title of this feast day!  It used to be the feast of the circumcision of Jesus!  The change in focus brought welcome relief to preachers the world over!  The emphasis moved, in more than one way, from Jesus to his mother - from teacher to disciple.  Some of the reasons for this may be found in the Vatican II document, Lumen Gentium, on the nature of the Church, in which the role of Mary in the plan of salvation is carefully placed in the context of her Son's central role and that of the Church.  Later on, in his document, Marialis cultus, Pope Paul VI provided guidance on the way in which Mary is to be properly honored in the liturgical and spiritual expression of the faith.

     The result of this more recent teaching, added to the centuries of Christian reflection on Mary, is to focus more on her as a model of discipleship and of the Church.  It seems to me that the phrase from today's gospel, quoted above, offers us material for a New Year's resolution worthy of the name and worthy of being kept year round.  How many of us truly reflect on our faith and its content and implications for daily life?  Are we "intentional" Catholics - aware of what we believe and choosing to shape our lives accordingly?  Or are we "accidental Catholics" - doing the "Catholic thing" because that's how we were raised?  I might add a third category now, "alienated Catholics." Are we no longer participating in the life of the Church for whatever reason?  Reflection in the heart can bring about action in the life, real discipleship.  We have a good model in Mary, the mother of God.  That's the only New Year's resolution I'll offer.   Happy New Year!  AMEN