As we begin a new year, we turn to our Blessed Mother for a blessing. As our Lady of Peace, I'm sure she would use Moses' familiar words, "May God look upon you kindly and give you peace." Peace is always her message. As a mother, she calls each of us to truly claim our identity as a child of God.

What does it mean to live as a child of God? It means, first of all, that we are free! The same Spirit that led Jesus to his "Abba" fills our heart and sets us searching for this God-with-us, Emmanuel in our midst. This Spirit gives us sight to see God in every human being, and gives us the courage to relate to all as brothers and sisters....