Mary, the Holy Mother of God – Solemnity
First reading Numbers 6:22-27
On Monday, 1 January 2025, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, we are invited to reflect deeply on the intimate relationship between the Lord and each of us as expressed in the blessing from the first reading (Numbers 6:22-27). These words, spoken by God through Moses, are not just a poetic expression but a profound promise of divine care and favour. The blessing underscores a threefold relationship: the Lord blesses and keeps us, offering His protection and providence; He lets His face shine upon us, a sign of His gracious presence and enduring love; and finally, He uncovers His face to us, bringing peace—not merely as the absence of conflict, but as the fullness of harmony and wholeness in His presence. This peace is not something we achieve on our own; it flows directly from the grace and intimacy of being in relationship with God. As we begin a new year, this passage calls us to anchor our lives in the assurance of God’s blessings, the light of His countenance, and the peace that only He can bestow, drawing us ever closer to the heart of His love. It is through this divine connection that we find the truest source of serenity and purpose in our journey of faith. Let’s reflect: How can I more intentionally open my heart to God’s blessings, seek His gracious presence, and embrace His peace in my daily life as I begin this new year?
Don Giorgio