Sermon/Homily for the Solemnity of Mary The Holy Mother of God 1st January 2024
Sermon/Homily for the Solemnity of Mary The Holy Mother of God 1st January 2024 Numbers 6:22-27. Psalm 67:2-3,5,6,8. Galatians 4:4-7. Luke 2:16-21. Theme: Mary, Mother of the Prince of Peace. On the first of January, Christians celebrate several festive events. We celebrate, first of all, New Year's Day; then we think of the circumcision of Jesus, which took place. St. Luke tells us, eight days after his birth (Luke 2:21); the day was later on dedicated to Mary, Mother of God, and finally, in 1968 Pope St. Paul VI chose January 1st as the "World Day of Peace." The first reading is about blessing. The words of the Lord to Moses is that Aaron and his sons in their office as priests should bless the sons of Israel. In my office as a priest of the New Covenant, I bless you all with these same words as we begin a new year today: "May the Lord bless you and keep you: may He make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you: may He lift up his countenance upon you and g...