Deacon Tom Writes,
“New Year’s Blessing”
Solemnity of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, Year B
In today’s First Reading from the Book of Numbers God blesses His people as they journey through the desert headed for the Promised Land. His blessings renew the promises He made to them on Mt. Sinai and instill in their hearts His kindness, His peace and His graciousness.
One blessing we consider today is that God, in His goodness and mercy, was not satisfied to remain simply an abstract image or a name on the lips of His chosen ones. God planned from the very beginning of time to share in His creation. We are blessed because God revealed Himself to us in the person of Jesus Christ who came to live among us and teach us His ways so that we “may live life to the fullest.” (JN 10:10)
Today we honor Mary as the Mother of God. We celebrate today what was declared dogma by the Council of Ephesus in the year 431 AD, that Mary IS the Mother of God, Theotokos. From the earliest days of our faith, people have turned to Mary and sought her intercession. The Council of Ephesus only confirmed what the people already knew, that Mary was the Mother of God and as such was a refuge for us in our time of need.
As we turn the page to a new year, one in which we hope the world sees and end to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are profoundly aware of our many needs and those of our families and our world. Mary, whose love, sacrifice and surrender nurtured the Holy Family, waits for us to turn to her so that she can be an advocate on our behalf. And again, we are so spiritually needy. There is no favor Her Son will not grant her if only we turn to her, for, since the beginning of time, it has been upon her that His favor rests.
Through the intercessions of Mary, may……The Lord bless us and keep us!
The Lord let his face shine upon us and be gracious to us!
The Lord look upon us kindly and give us peace!
Wishing you and your families a…Happy, Holy, and Healthy New Year‼!
Deacon Tom
