01/01/2006 - MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
First Reading Numbers 6:22-27 Psalm 66/67
Second Reading Galatians 4:4-7 Gospel Luke 2:16-21
Eight days after his birth, the Hebrew child is circumcised and is given a
name. He carries, on his flesh, the sign of membership with the people of the
alliance formed by God with Abraham. He must be given a name which renders him
unique among the multitude of men. Jesus is truly one of this world, of this
earth. He is one of the people; He has a name like everyone else.
Like all men, He does not decide; he does nothing. Others decide for Him; among
them: Mary and Joseph. Mary is silent; yet, she is the most active. It is exactly
with her silence, and in her silence, that she brings and offers her child to
those who, by looking at Him, will see the awesome work of God! They will go
away happy, and Mary remains silent, a silence which is not closure, but an
opening to the mystery which renews everything. Her child is a member of the
people, but it is the people who will get the meaning from Him. He is welcomed
by the people, but it is He who guides the people to the fullness of the mystery
of the love of God.
Mary understands everything, and then some. She is the mother, only the mother,
but she knows how to be the Mother of the Word of God. She knows that this baby,
whom she is caressing and rocking, will be called the Son of the Highest God.
The anxiety which she felt when she heard the words of the angel will remain,
though, because she will be called the Mother of God!
Mother of God! It is an awesome title; yet, this is what God, Himself, wanted
for her, a humble servant, a silent woman who made herself available to the
will of God. He gave human life to God: the child is God, light of light, true
life from the eternal life! Mother of God! This is not only a title, but a task.
She continues to give birth to God in the hearts of men who look at Him with
love. How many have come to Jesus, to a new life, thanks to the silent ministry
of Mary! We are like the shepherds who find the child after having found the
mother.
Today, we too, repeat the joy of the people of Ephesus (431), who exulted in
venerating Mary with this title to affirm, with certainty, the divinity of Jesus.
And we remain solidly united to Jesus-God so that the light and the blessings
of peace remain in our life all year long.
Today, we also start the civil year, by changing the calendar. This is an occasion
to renew our friendships and spiritual communion by exchanging good wishes of
health and, above all, peace. This is the word which recurs mostly today, chosen
to reflect and renew our commitment to peace. Without it, life becomes fearful,
and men will be locked into a position of defence, which generates selfishness.
But, where does peace come from? What is peace? The angels told us with the
song with which they directed the shepherd to the stable in Bethlehem. The peace
which transforms the earth to the mirror of heaven is the Baby who, today, receives
the name "Jesus". He, Himself, defined Himself and the spring of true
peace for mankind. In order to enjoy peace, to be able to bring peace, to pour
onto all the suffering of the world the balm of the peace of God, we must remain
united with Jesus. And this is the reason we turn to the One who can presents
Him to us as a baby who lets himself be supported by our own hands.
His name is Jesus, "Saving God". By welcoming Him among us, we enjoy
the sweetness and the assurance of the salvation of God: we are not even afraid
of death, not even the hatred towards us can change our heart! We call Him Jesus,
as well, as His Mother taught us. When we need to tell someone where consolation
is, and true salvation is, we pronounce the name of Jesus! When we meet someone
who has been taken in by the temptations and empty attractions of the world,
or who is suffering because he was disappointed by having faith in weak virtues
and human ability, again, we raise our voice and resound the name of Jesus!
Mary, Mother of God and Queen of Peace, rejoice, exult, and pray for us to the
One who owes you life, so that He may give salvation to us and to all people!