Readings:

Nm. 6:22-27; Ps. 67; Gal. 4:4-7; Lk. 2:16-21

Today, on this Octave day of Christmas, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. I can think of no more significant way to ring in a new year than to recall the events of this eighth day of Jesus’ life. Let us reflect on these matters a bit more deeply.

According to the Book of Genesis, “an infant of eight days old shall be circumcised among you” (Gn. 17:12). By being circumcised, Jesus places himself under the Law, as St. Paul reminds us in the second reading: “When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law….” Jesus obeys the law for his whole life and does not falter in any of it, and Mary does likewise.

As Jesus subjected himself to the law, so too do we. He says himself, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill” (Mt. 5:17). We see this fulfillment in Jesus' obedience to the law; we see this fulfillment in the prophets; we also see this fulfillment in the way Jesus interprets the law anew. As it says in the gospel of Mark, “The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes” (Mk. 1:22). Jesus is the true lawgiver, and he encourages us all to keep his commandments, saying, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (Jn. 14:15).

The Incarnation of Jesus invites us to have a deeply personal relationship with the lawgiver. While he is above us, he nevertheless chose to become one with us in humanity. While he was conceived by supernatural means, he was born naturally, of Mary. By so doing, Jesus has become our brother in humanity; and if Jesus, the Son of God, is our brother, then we have all been made sons and daughters of the Father. And since Mary is the mother of Jesus, in like manner, we are also sons and daughters of the Blessed Mother.

Marian devotion is one of the more prominent expressions of Catholic faith. It has taken many forms throughout the centuries, including the celebration of feasts like today, the dedication of churches and buildings in her honor, prayers, the Holy Rosary, novenas, and the like. We honor the Blessed Mother because of her great faith, her great witness, her great discipleship, and we are also mindful of the special role she has been given in the Church, namely, as our spiritual mother.

So, as we honor Mary, the Most Holy Mother of God at the beginning of this new year, I would like to encourage us to more consciously embrace that which makes us Catholic. For many it may be a devotion to the Blessed Mother, for others, perhaps increased attendance at daily Masses, or more frequent confession. Jesus gave us the sacraments for our sanctification, let us use them as the tools they were intended to be. And if we ever find ourselves struggling to live out our Catholic faith, let us follow the example of Mary, who herself kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. And may the Lord bless you and keep you, let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. And may the Lord, through the intercession of Mary the Mother of God, look upon you kindly and give you peace. Amen.