RBWords

     I doubt very many of us today will be saying (if we feel like saying anything) "Happy Feast Day!"  The most likely words will be, "Happy New Year!"  Maybe our first "New Year's resolution" will be not to repeat the New Year's Eve we just had!  However, the church starts the secular New Year with a feast of Mary, the Mother of God - a much better title than the old one, "the Circumcision of the Lord!").  Instead of celebrating an important male event, we celebrate an important female event, and it is all about discipleship!  Luke consistently presents Mary as the model disciple who reflects on all that involves her Son.

     There might be a hint here about the kind of New Year's resolution that could have a very positive impact in our lives and the lives of others.  Perhaps we could resolve to be better "disciples."  Perhaps we could reflect more on the Word of God and reach out more effectively to the many hungry, thirsty, naked, homeless and imprisoned people in our world!  We could make this resolution more than a pious sentimental thing!  We could make 2014 a pivotal year in our faith!  We could ask Mary and the Holy Spirit to go to work on whatever it is that keeps us from being joyful and effective disciples.  Pope Francis is giving us a concrete example in case we need one!  Happy New Year and Happy Feast Day!  AMEN