Every year presents us with the singular opportunity to doubly celebrate. We celebrate two important and historical moments. The first is basically about Jesus, who has been born into the world. This is what we do on December 25, Christmas day. The second ushers us into a new year and is the first day of each year.
The secular year is taken up by the Church and we celebrate the motherhood of Mary on this day. What most Catholics think about is the very fact that we have entered a new year and we ought to thank God through the Holy Mass. Some are oblivious about the importance of this day and even if we know, I believe, we have not taken time to reflect on this important 'shelving of days' on the ecclesial calender which has surprised us on the secular calender also.
The Church starts a new liturgical year after celebrating the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the universe (or Christ the King Sunday) and not on 1st January. Why not celebrate the motherhood of Mary just after Christ the King but on 1st January, the beginning of the secular year?
Upon reflecting on this 'shelving', I realised that Mother Church wants us to be led by the Marian spirit throughout the year. The Church wants us to learn from Mary in the New Year. I noticed four things which are worth reflecting upon.
Through Mary, man has been given the honour to see the light again and life has been granted us. We have a new beginning. God created light first and the one through whom the light has come to shine in the hearts of men should be celebrated first so that she can teach us how to see. By so doing do we gain life, another opportunity to better ourselves in the year just started.
Also, the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary was characterised by Joy and Sadness, I mean pain. The Gospels vividly inform us about this. At the beginning of a new year we are reminded that if we accept to be 'God-bearers' like Mary, those who will show Christ, the new born king, to the world in word and deed, should be prepared to climb the joyous mountains and also to prepare to fall into the valleys of the new year.
The Church is to Christ as bride and mother as Mary is to Christ as mother. We are called upon to respect every dictate of the Church and to follow her ceaselessly. We should not be afraid to follow the Church. Utilize every opportunity, I mean Sacraments, available to better yourself in this new year and to establish a close relationship between you and God.
Finally, the Church, I believe, wants us to be 'mothers' to the motherless, to show love and care to all, especially the orphans. Let us take the Blessed Virgin Mary as model and patron and she will assist us in discharging this motherly role.
May Mary, Mother of God (Maria, Mater Dei) intercede for us.
Happy New Year
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