Solemnity
of Mary the Mother of God
Saturday, 1 January 2000
World Day of Prayer for Peace
Introduction:
The Council of Ephesus (431 ad) declared that Mary
was ‘theotokos’ (literally
‘God–bearing’), in order to emphasise the divinity 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.
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 and good favour. Immediately, one has in mind
the visitation to Mary, and the 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. 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.