New Year's Day | Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God | World Day of Peace

January 1, 2016

    

Below you will find a reflection for today, New Year's Day; the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God; and World Day of Peace. We encourage you to share this reflection by forwarding this email to others who you think might appreciate it.

New Year's Day
 
by Jim Dinn

At first glance the shepherds seem to be intruders who fill the frame of the gospel proclaimed on this feast of Mary, Mother of God. We encounter them in full stride, breathless, rushing through the dark countryside at the angel's bidding to see the newborn infant. They have listened and believed. They have accepted the angel's invitation and are hurrying to see what was promised. There they testify to all they have seen and heard so that others are enriched by their faith-sharing. Finally, they return to their work drastically changed, praising and glorifying God.   
    Mary, on the other hand, is the still point at the center of this reading. Her silent response is summarized with a single admiring sentence: "Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart." She may seem to be a very different faith model than the shepherds.
    But Mary and the shepherds complement each other....

To read this entire reflection, click here.

In Christ's peace,

 

Johnny Zokovitch

Director of Communications, Pax Christi USA


P.S. To see more Advent and Christmas resources from Pax Christi USA, click here.