Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Octave of Christmas
Monday, 1st January 2001

World Day of Prayer for Peace

Introduction:
The Council of Ephesus (431AD) declared that Mary was ‘theotokos’ (literally ‘God–bearing’), in order to emphasise the divinity of Jesus, at a time when the nature of the person of Jesus was in hot dispute. Mary is seen as the woman of faith, who filled with grace responds to God’s call, and thus can provide a personal witness to the life, death and resurrection of her son Jesus. She truly bears the title ‘theotokos’ - bearer of God, but the emphasis of this feast is really upon the person of her son Jesus.

Theme: The children of God are favoured.

The book of Numbers 6 :22 - 27
The text represents a Hebrew blessing of the people. When God seems to ‘hide face’ it is seen as a sign of disfavour or rejection. But here “The Lord’s face shines” on the people. The smile of God’s blessing being the sign of good favour. Immediately, one has in mind the visitation to Mary, and cousin Elizabeth’s welcome greeting: “Rejoice, so highly favoured.....Mary, do not be afraid: you have won God’s favour.”

Letter of Paul to the Galatians 4 : 4 - 7
The proof that we are the children of God, is that the Spirit of his Son is in our hearts. Through the redeeming action of Christ, we have become heirs and true sons and daughters. “God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts…you are not a slave anymore; and if God has made you a son, then he has made you heir.” Thus God’s favour is seen to rest upon us. We have good cause to smile and rejoice in the blessings we have received.

Gospel according to Luke 2 : 16 - 21
This gospel reading is chosen for this octave day, the eighth day of Christmas, to mark the Jewish custom of circumcision. The boy child Jesus, by his circumcision, takes his place among the chosen people of God. With good reason, we may, with Mary, treasure these things and ponder them in our hearts. The Church invites us to join the shepherds, in “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.”

© Peter Harrison 2000