Today's Gospel - January 1, 2012 with Reflection

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

1st READING - Numbers 6:22-27

P S A L M - Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

2nd READING - Galatians 4:4-7

G O S P E L

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.

 

Luke 2:16-21

16 The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. 18 All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. 19 And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. 21When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

 

 

SABBATH

JUST AS WE HAVE BEEN TOLD   You are certainly thankful you have reached this point in your life. You wonder how things would have been had you not listened to your parents. Their words still reverberate in your mind, “Just focus on the good that awaits you. Don’t allow the distractions of the present to take your mind away from what is essential and important. You’ll see — all your hardships will pay off in the future.” And so now you’re here — your heart overflowing with gratitude to the ones who saw you through. “I told you so,” your mom enthuses. You just smile in agreement, for your heart cannot contain the joy of seeing yourself with all these blessings at your fingertips just as you have been told. Imagine the joy of the shepherds seeing the Infant Jesus lying in the manger. They have been told all these by the angel — the personages, the dimly lit cave, the animals, the lights, the star, the angels, the melodic sound coming from above. They all marveled at these, for they are exactly how the angel had told them. The joy of a promise fulfilled — a vow kept, a pact realized, a covenant faithfully followed. There is no explaining how much joy there can be in the hearts of those who have seen these realized in their own lives. But the story in today’s Gospel is no ordinary story. It is an account of the beginning of God’s redeeming act. The promise of salvation has long been told. And in these events they gradually unfold just as it has been told. Just imagine how things would be when our vindication happens — to the poor in spirit, the kingdom of heaven; to the meek, the earth; to the mourning, consolation; to the hungry, satisfaction; to the merciful, mercy; to the pure of heart, beatific vision; to the peacemakers, divine sonship. How our hearts will be filled with joy, when all these are realized, at the end of our life’s journey, just as we have been told.Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes   REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you still waiting for the fulfillment of a promise made to you — either by God or another person? Don’t lose hope — it may happen this year.   Lord Jesus, thank You for the new year. May this year bring us renewed hope and trust in the fulfillment of Your promises to us.