Learning from Mary

I will bless them. (Numbers 6:27) 

Happy New Year! It’s no coincidence that the Church celebrates Mary, the blessed Mother of God, on a day of new beginnings. It’s also no coincidence that our readings focus on how much God wants to bless us, even as he has blessed Mary.

Just look at today’s readings—they’re full of blessing! The first reading describes how Aaron prayed a blessing over the Israelites. The Responsorial Psalm asks God to “bless us in his mercy” (Psalm Response). The second reading tells us of the blessings of redemption that have come through Mary’s yes to God. And in today’s Gospel, Mary stands out as “blessed . . . among women” (Luke 1:42). Why? 

Mary’s blessedness wasn’t a mythical shield guarding her from every temptation. Yes, she was born without original sin. But she didn’t walk around in a bubble. The blessing Mary enjoyed deepened every day as she cultivated it: she “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

When the shepherds told Mary about the angels’ message, she treasured it. At the annunciation, when Gabriel addressed her as “favored one,” she pondered his greeting (Luke 1:28). She did something similar when the twelve-year-old Jesus stayed behind in the Temple and likely did so many times during his adult ministry. It made her aware and grateful for all the ways God was at work in her life and in the world around her. By treasuring and pondering her blessings, Mary also learned to accept and understand what was to come. 

God wants to bless you this year. So make it your goal to imitate Mary. Ponder what God does in your life. Treasure the blessings he’s already given you. Let them show you how great God is and how much he loves you. And be on the lookout for all he has in store for you this year. 

“Thank you, Father, that you want to bless your people! Help me follow Mary’s example this year.”

from wau.org

Day of endings and beginnings

He was in the beginning with God. (John 1:2)

John’s Gospel begins with a beautiful hymn describing “the Word,” which was with God since the very beginning. Any Jewish people reading this passage would have recognized this idea. In the creation story told in Genesis, God “speaks” things into existence—“Let there be light… . Let the earth bring forth vegetation,” and so on (Genesis 1:3, 11). It’s a sign of God’s creative power that every single word he utters brings forth something new, vibrant, and wondrous. That’s how powerful God’s Word is!

But as familiar as the idea of God’s creative word must have been, John introduces a whole new revelation: God’s Word is not only creative, it’s not only powerful, and it’s not only eternal. The Word of God is a Person. John wrote that he was with God in the beginning, not it was with God in the beginning. Then John went even further to say that this Person came and dwelt among us: Jesus, the Messiah!

You may have heard the biblical phrase “the Alpha and the Omega” (Revelation 21:6; 22:13). It’s a way of talking about how Jesus was at the very beginning of everything and will be at the very end. It’s another way of saying he is the first word and the last word of creation.

We’re at the end of 2015. Can you see how he was there with you throughout the year? We’re also on the cusp of 2016. Can you now expect him to be with you from the very first millisecond after the clock strikes midnight?

When the Word of God is present, he is active, not just a spectator! He is always speaking new life, forgiveness, guidance, and renewal. He is always speaking redirection, encouragement, insight, and love. The sun rises on a new year because he gladly calls it to. And if anything has fallen into darkness in the past year, he only has to speak, and light will shine on it in the year to come.

So with gratitude, thank Jesus for all the blessings of 2015; with trust, surrender to him its sorrows and disappointments; and with hope, ask him, the Alpha and Omega, to speak words of grace into the year to come.

“Word of God, let this day of endings and beginnings be a reminder of your constant presence.

 

from wau.org

Plan for growth

Do not love the world or the things of the world. (1 John 2:15)

How magical life feels during this week between Christmas and New Year’s Day! As far as the Church is concerned, we are still in the Octave of Christmas. And as far as the world is concerned, the holiday season is still in full swing. Candles still give off their warm glow. Christmas trees remain in many homes. Families are spending more time together, and children are still basking in the mirth of the season. 

So why, in the midst of all these good feelings, is John warning us not to love the world? Why caution us against “sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life” (1 John 2:16)? Does he like being a killjoy?

Not at all. Just a few verses before these warnings, John gives a litany of all the blessings that are ours because of Christmas: Our sins are forgiven. We can know “him who is from the beginning.” We can even know victory over the evil one (1 John 2:12-14). Surely there is much to rejoice over!

John gives us this warning because he knows how tricky life in the world can be. He knows that the Christian life is a matter of ongoing change and transformation. None of us really “arrives” at perfect holiness. It’s a journey filled with joy and fear, an adventure that has its triumphs and defeats.

Brothers and sisters, God has so much that he wants to give us. And the devil has so much that he wants to tempt us with. So no matter how far we’ve come, there is always more awaiting us: more grace and love from the throne of God. Greater transformation into the image of Christ. More healing of our past and more hope for our future. And there will never be an end to the obstacles, the challenges, and the temptation to rest on our laurels and stop seeking after the Lord.

So as the Octave of Christmas winds down, take time to rejoice in the marvelous gifts God has given you. But begin also to make a plan for growth in the coming year. And always remember: Jesus is with you no matter what!

“Lord, protect me from the snares of this world. Today, help me remember who you are and all that you have done in me. Jesus, I want to know you even more!”

from wau.org