Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

The Octave Day of Christmas 01^st January 2025

Lectionary Readings: Num 6:22-27;Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8;Gal 4:4-7;Lk 2:16-21

Theme: “Mary as Theotokos”

From Notre Dame de Sion Community (Saint Pierre de Sion, Ratisbonne Monastery 1874, Jerusalem-Israel)

Happy New Year 2025!!! And Happy Feast Mary, Mother of God, a day of Obligation for all Christians all over the world: “they are also to abstain from such work or business that would inhibit the worship to be given to God, the joy proper to the Lord ‘s Day, or the due relaxation of mind and body.” (Canon 1247 of the Code of Canon Law)

The title of Mary as the Mother of God has sparked meaningful dialogue within the Church, encouraging influential figures to share and explore their beliefs. Pope Paul VI emphasized Mary’s role during Vatican II by referring to her as the “Mother of the Church.” One prominent contributor to this discussion was Cyril the Bishop of Alexandria, who robustly challenged the views of the Archbishop of Constantinople (10 April 428 to 22 June 431) a Greek person name Nestorius. His views were popular in the East, and objected to the popular custom calling the Virgin Mary ( the mother of Jesus), Theotokos, meaning the Mother of God, a position that St. Cyril countered with a profound understanding of Mary’s significance. He eloquently expressed that “it was not an ordinary man who was born of the Holy Virgin; rather, the Word was united with the flesh from the womb and underwent birth in the flesh, making that birth His own.” Moreover, St. Ambrose inspired his congregation by stating, “Let Mary’s soul be in each of you to proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Let her spirit be in each to rejoice in the Lord. Christ has only one mother in the flesh, but we all bring forth Christ in faith.” Just as Mary “treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart,” we are encouraged to reflect deeply on the profound meaning of Jesus’ birth and how it can shape our faith and lives.

This theological assertion thoughtfully connects to the priestly blessing found in the Book of Numbers, which conveys a meaningful divine promise for the Israelite’s: “The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you! The LORD looks upon you kindly and gives you peace!” This blessing serves as a beautiful reminder of God’s graciousness, especially through the gift of His only beloved Son. Through His Son, we can appreciate the image of an invincible God who continually offers peace and the promise of everlasting life. The concept of blessing has significant and varied importance in our lives, shaping our experiences and showcasing the work of our Creator God not only within the faith community but also beyond. This form of blessing, which was common in ancient Israel at the end of worship services, continues to enrich Jewish congregations today, fostering a sense of connection and gratitude among members. Its enduring presence highlights the value of blessing in nurturing and enhancing our communal and spiritual lives.

When we consider Jesus’s genealogy, the variances between the genealogies given in Matthew and Luke are explained in a number of ways. But we can see how He was born of Mother Mary and raised by St. Joseph, His carpenter “tekton” father, who belonged to a ancestry from David, providing a strong example for Him. Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth upbringing was deeply rooted in Jewish customs and traditions; therefore Jesus was Jewish and actively participated in the Sabbath, engaged with the community in their synagogues. This understanding encourages us to embrace the practices and values that can cultivate deeper connections in our own lives and communities. St. Luke’s portrayal of Mother Mary significantly enriches our understanding of her vital role in the Nativity story. He writes, “When they saw this, they made known what had been told about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” Mary’s reflections, after carrying the Word Incarnate for nine months, reveal her profound sense of wonder and gratitude. Her experience exemplifies how God’s immense love unfolds in the lives of many, underscoring that salvation encompasses not only Israel but all of humanity. This realization empowers her to contemplate her Son’s future path and meditate on the depth of God’s love.

Luke powerfully highlights themes of inclusion and solidarity, focusing on women, the poor, the marginalized, tax collectors, and sinners. In contrast to Matthew, who recounts the visit of the Gentile wise men to the Christ child. Luke’s narrative decisively features the shepherds, symbolizing the outsiders in society. Moreover, St. Luke uniquely mentions the circumcision of Jesus and that of John the Baptist (Luke 1:59). This significant ritual reinforces Jesus’ connection with His people and their covenant. The naming of Jesus recalls the Annunciation, asserting, “and you must name him Jesus” (Luke 1:31) and heralding His future greatness: “He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High.” Overall, Luke’s gospel presents a compassionate and inclusive vision that resonates powerfully today. The remarkable events surrounding Jesus’ birth were not isolated occurrences but were experienced intimately by Mary, the shepherds, and the travelers who witnessed them. The blessing spoken by Moses, originating from the Divine, was vividly realized before their eyes, echoing the joyful call in the Psalms: “Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; sing of His glorious name; give Him glorious praise. Say to God: ‘How awesome are Your deeds!’”

Now, Mother Mary’s joy blossoms into a shared treasure of hope, revealed not just to her but to all of creation. The announcement of salvation to the shepherds highlights our collective responsibility to nurture and safeguard this joy. For the wise men on their journey, it serves as a profound reminder to seek wisdom and discern the signs that lead to Christ, cultivating a readiness to share His message with everyone they encounter. Mary and Joseph are called to embrace prudence, humility, and obedience to the Divine. These messages inspire us to pay attention to divine revelations, recognizing their sacred origins and aligning them with our faith in Christ, the Incarnate Word. Through this meaningful reflection, we deepen our understanding and embrace the transformative journey of faith together.

For Reflection and Discussion: 1. Do I believe in Mother Mary as Theotokos, the bearer of divine grace? 2. How can I share the amazing joy of Christ through my everyday actions?

Bibliography:  Hubertus R. Drobner “The Fathers of the Church” p 296-311; McKenzie, J.L. Dictionary of the Bible (NewYork:1965); The Code of Canon Law, page 217 No. 1247;https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010125.cfm;http://gcatholic.org/CatholicStudy

This week’s Sunday Liturgy Commentary was prepared by
Dunhill Malunar Timkang, Israel-Jerusalem, Bat Kol Alumnus:2023

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