SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, JANUARY 1, 2026

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

MASS READINGS:

Gospel

Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph,  and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this,  they made known the message  that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed  by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things,  reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned,  glorifying and praising God  for all they had heard and seen,  just as it had been told to them.  When 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.

REFLECTION

And Mary kept all these things,  reflecting on them in her heart

Happy New Year!

New beginnings,! We feel special when we receive a present, a compliment, acknowledgement, a caring inquiry to our health and family. How often have we thanked the Mother of God? We thank her for her “Fiat” for “by the overpowering of the Holy Spirit she conceived her only begotten Son”.

The Divine Word became man- the Divine nature and the human were united in one Person! From the Cross, Jesus gave us His Mother. We thank Mary for loving and caring for Jesus. And in turn caring for us.

In 428 AD, Archbishop Nestorius, from Constantinople, taught that Jesus Christ was two distinct persons—a human person (Jesus) and a divine person (the Word of God)—united in one body, rather than one person with two natures--Divine and human. It led to the belief that Mary was the Mother of Christ (Christotokos) but not the Mother of God (Theotokos). (Nestorian heresy)

In 431 AD at the Church of Mary, the Council of Ephesus in Turkey declared Mary "Theotokos", the Mother of God. It affirmed the Hypostatic Union of one person in two natures, fully God and fully man. St Cyril, the Bishop of Alexandria, presided and in one day the Nestorian heresy was condemned and Nestorius was removed as Bishop and excommunicated.

This new year will bring its share of joys and sorrows. May we strife to use well opportunities to love God a little more, always asking our Mother Mary for her assistance in showing us her beautiful Son.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

God bless you