Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
(Click Here for Readings)Gospel of Luke 2:16-21
The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found
Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this,they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.
Happy New Year!
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and World Day of Peace. Pope Francis' theme for this day is "Slaves no more, but brothers and sisters." I really love these simple words. For way too long Christians and non-Christians have been subjected to horrific abuse. No one should be deprived of their human dignity, and no woman, man or child should be forced into a life of crime, corruption, prostitution, and endless oppression.
A long standing tradition in the Roman Catholic Church associates Mary with world peace. She is the Mother of Peace who knows all too well what suffering is like. Not only did she give birth to Jesus Christ Our Savior, but she witnessed his death on the cross. She experienced first hand how cruel men can be.
As Our Blessed Mother, Mary sheds tears of sorrow as she witnesses, from heaven above, children starving to death. She mourns as nations continue to war with one another, sometimes for decades. She gasps in disbelief at the rise in pornography, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Mary is reminded of the persecution of her only Son as she witnesses Christians forced out of their homes, tortured all because their belief in Jesus.
The worst tragedy of all is the lack of peace within the family unit. Sometimes children go years without speaking to their parents, or parents disown their children over a conflict. Personally, I know what it feels like to be distanced from my own father. I have not spoken to him in 15 years. It's one of those situations where his illegal dealings, lack of integrity and overall selfishness made me realize that it was for the best we stay separate. I do forgive my father for all the psychological pain he caused my sister and me. However, for my own personal safety I must disassociate. I feel more peace in my heart with this distance. Sometimes reconciliation is not possible. However, one can still find peace through acceptance that some people who cause us harm are simply best to let go.
How can you bring about peace within your own home and in the community you live in? Pray the rosary each day for the intention of peace within families and nations. Volunteer with organizations who focus on ending racial conflict, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. Write to legislatures at the local and state level, advocating for better laws against violence. Most important of all, learn to forgive those who have harmed or offended you, including your own family members.
Begin the New Year by reflecting in your heart, just like Our Blessed Mother, ways to keep peace. It can be done. It just takes a willingness to let go of pride, ego, anger, and resentment. Transfer these negative emotions into forgiveness, love, hope, and charity.
-J.
Happy New Year!
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and World Day of Peace. Pope Francis' theme for this day is "Slaves no more, but brothers and sisters." I really love these simple words. For way too long Christians and non-Christians have been subjected to horrific abuse. No one should be deprived of their human dignity, and no woman, man or child should be forced into a life of crime, corruption, prostitution, and endless oppression.
A long standing tradition in the Roman Catholic Church associates Mary with world peace. She is the Mother of Peace who knows all too well what suffering is like. Not only did she give birth to Jesus Christ Our Savior, but she witnessed his death on the cross. She experienced first hand how cruel men can be.
As Our Blessed Mother, Mary sheds tears of sorrow as she witnesses, from heaven above, children starving to death. She mourns as nations continue to war with one another, sometimes for decades. She gasps in disbelief at the rise in pornography, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Mary is reminded of the persecution of her only Son as she witnesses Christians forced out of their homes, tortured all because their belief in Jesus.
The worst tragedy of all is the lack of peace within the family unit. Sometimes children go years without speaking to their parents, or parents disown their children over a conflict. Personally, I know what it feels like to be distanced from my own father. I have not spoken to him in 15 years. It's one of those situations where his illegal dealings, lack of integrity and overall selfishness made me realize that it was for the best we stay separate. I do forgive my father for all the psychological pain he caused my sister and me. However, for my own personal safety I must disassociate. I feel more peace in my heart with this distance. Sometimes reconciliation is not possible. However, one can still find peace through acceptance that some people who cause us harm are simply best to let go.
How can you bring about peace within your own home and in the community you live in? Pray the rosary each day for the intention of peace within families and nations. Volunteer with organizations who focus on ending racial conflict, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. Write to legislatures at the local and state level, advocating for better laws against violence. Most important of all, learn to forgive those who have harmed or offended you, including your own family members.
Begin the New Year by reflecting in your heart, just like Our Blessed Mother, ways to keep peace. It can be done. It just takes a willingness to let go of pride, ego, anger, and resentment. Transfer these negative emotions into forgiveness, love, hope, and charity.
-J.
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