Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Mother of God

The Octave Day of Christmas

Catechism Links[1]

CCC 464-469: Jesus Christ, true God and true Man

CCC 495, 2677: Mary is the Mother of God

CCC 1, 52, 270, 294, 422, 654, 1709, 2009: Our adoption as sons

CCC 527, 577-582: Jesus submits to the Law, and perfects it

CCC 580, 1972: The New Law frees from restrictions of the Old Law

CCC 683, 689, 1695, 2766, 2777-2778: In the Holy Spirit we can call God “Abba”

CCC 430-435, 2666-2668, 2812: The name of Jesus

“Madonna of the Harpies” (detail) 
by Andrea Del Sarto, 1517

Information about the Catholic Teaching on the Blessed Virgin Mary

Information from the Catechism of the Catholic Church about Mary

Readings for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary [2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [3]

Readings and Commentary:[4]

Reading 1: Numbers 6:22-27

The LORD said to Moses:

“Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:

This is how you shall bless the Israelites.

Say to them:

The LORD bless you and keep you!

The LORD let his face shine upon

you, and be gracious to you!

The LORD look upon you kindly and

give you peace!

So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites,

and I will bless them.”

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Commentary on Nm 6:22-27

This passage contains the “Priestly Blessing,” or the “Blessing of Aaron.” It was to be used by priests to bless the people of God. “Let his face shine upon you,” would indicate an act of divine pleasure. As Christians, the final strophe of the blessing: “The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace” is seen as being fulfilled at the birth of the Messiah, Jesus, Son of God and son of Mary.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

R. (2a) May God bless us in his mercy.

May God have pity on us and bless us;

   may he let his face shine upon us.

So may your way be known upon earth;

   among all nations, your salvation.

R. May God bless us in his mercy.

May the nations be glad and exult

   because you rule the peoples in equity;

   the nations on the earth you guide.

R. May God bless us in his mercy.

May the peoples praise you, O God;

   may all the peoples praise you!

May God bless us,

   and may all the ends of the earth fear him!

R. May God bless us in his mercy.

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Commentary on Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

Psalm 67 is a blessing and has elements of the ancient blessing of Aaron from Numbers 6:22ff. This blessing has more of a plaintive tone (a group lament), or petition asking for a bountiful harvest. It points to the universal salvation promised by God to all the peoples.

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Reading II: Galatians 4:4-7

Brothers and sisters:

When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son,

born of a woman, born under the law,

to ransom those under the law,

so that we might receive adoption as sons.

As proof that you are sons,

God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,

crying out, “Abba, Father!”

So you are no longer a slave but a son,

and if a son then also an heir, through God.

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Commentary on Gal 4:4-7

“God sent his Son, born of a woman.” This passage, taken as part of the Gospel proclaimed by St. Paul, provides the Galatians with the important fact that Mary gave birth to Jesus. He did not mystically appear to us. Jesus is (was) true man: meaning he went through the biological birth process. It also means that Mary, the Mother of God, went through the difficult physical process of giving birth.

St. Paul goes on to remind us that, through this action, we are all adopted by God and are entitled to call God our Father, “Abba,” a familial term of endearment (translated into American usage as “daddy”).

CCC: Gal 4:1-7 1972; Gal 4:4-5 422; Gal 4:4 484, 488, 527, 531, 580, 702; Gal 4:5-7 1265; Gal 4:6 683, 689, 693, 742, 1695, 2766

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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.

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Commentary on Lk 2:16-21

The message, given to the shepherds by choirs of angels, that they in turn brought to Mary, that she kept and reflected about in her heart, was: “For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." (Luke 2 11-12)

This encounter with the shepherds further reinforces Mary’s faith, the acceptance of her child’s role explained to her by the Archangel Gabriel when this wonderful and tragic journey began.

CCC: Lk 2:19 2599; Lk 2:21 527

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Homily for the Octave Day of Christmas – The Solemnity of Mary

First, let me wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year. This is a time when we generally take stock of what we want to accomplish in the upcoming year and resolve to take positive action to accomplish those new goals. We may vow to lose weight, save money, or to work harder at school or at our jobs.  Our New Year’s resolutions are made so that the year ahead will see us happier and more fulfilled going forward.  Ironically, we also celebrate on this day the Solemnity of Mary, the high feast day of the Blessed Virgin, in whose son’s birth we rejoiced just eight days ago.  I say “ironically” because she, more than any other saint we venerate, more than any other person in the history of humankind, points to that which can give us all the happiness and fulfillment we can imagine – the peace of her Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

On this holy Octave Day of Christmas, St. Luke’s story of the nativity continues with the announcement by the shepherds of the news they had heard from the heavenly hosts (Luke 2:8-14).  In the context of the times, this would have been a singularly amazing event: shepherds abandoning their flocks (they never left their flocks), coming to the little town of Bethlehem in awe and wonder seeking a manger and a newborn child.

The magi had not yet arrived and Joseph and his bride were in humble surroundings with their newborn child.  Here come a group of shepherds praising God, astounded to find this new king as they had been told, wrapped in swaddling clothes in the stable.  It was true: God’s messengers had announced this momentous birth, not to kings and princes, but to lowly shepherds.  It was they who gave the Prince of Peace the first praise upon his entry into the world as man.

Within this incredible scene is the new mother, Mary, Blessed Virgin, Mother of God’s great gift.  What must she have thought, seeing these reclusive herdsmen mysteriously drawn there by angelic choirs?  We recall that God’s touch-points with her had been early in her pregnancy.  She was told what to expect (as was St. Joseph) but that had been some time ago.  Even the greeting of St. Elizabeth (“Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”) had been several months earlier.  The little mother must have been somewhat puzzled by the events as they had unfolded.  To our best knowledge, she was never told that she would not have this child in the traditional setting, in her home with kinswomen around her.  When she came due and delivered this baby in a manger, of all places, she must have wondered if Gabriel’s message and St. Elizabeth’s greeting had been a dream. 

But here come shepherds, praising God and giving thanks for her son, God’s Son, now nestled in her arms.  They spoke of heavenly hosts and glad tidings of great joy, and she knew, she knew it was all true.  This child she had carried and nurtured was destined to be the salvation of the world, and she had brought this new life into the world.  And this gift and responsibility she silently pondered, perhaps again saying in her heart: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.  My spirit rejoices in God my savior!”

In that opening offering from the Magnificat, we see the attitude of one truly “full of grace.” In her humility she shows us the grace of her then unborn son, already giving the gift of God’s peace.  What more can we hope for from our New Year’s resolutions than to find an interior peace that gives us the ability to overcome all obstacles, to endure any trial?

As we consider what we hope to accomplish in this New Year, let us make a pledge to emulate Mother Mary, and put it at the very top of that list.  If we, like the Blessed Virgin, focus all our efforts for the greater Glory of God through Christ Jesus, our Mother’s prayers will be with us and our success will be that much more assured.

On this, the solemn feast of Mary, we remember how she began her wondrous and tragic journey.  We see her sacrifice, faith, and grace as examples of what we strive to become in the service of the Son she gave us, the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world.  Today we pray fervently for her intercession, for she has become Queen of Heaven, and as such, has the special favor of her Son.  May we faithfully continue our journey to Jesus this year and conform ourselves to him and his mother.

Pax

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[1] Catechism links are taken from the Homiletic Directory, Published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 29 June 2014.

[2] The picture is “Madonna of the Harpies” (detail) by Andrea Del Sarto, 1517.

[3] S.S. Commemoratio

[4] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

(Optional Memorial of Saint Sylvester I, Pope)

Proper for the Memorial of St. Sylvester I

Biographical information about St. Sylvester I

“Nativity” by Francesco Di Giorgio Martini, 1488-94

Readings for the Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas [1]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: 1 John 2:18-21

Children, it is the last hour;

and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming,

so now many antichrists have appeared.

Thus we know this is the last hour.

They went out from us, but they were not really of our number;

if they had been, they would have remained with us.

Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number.

But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One,

and you all have knowledge.

I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.

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Commentary on 1 Jn 2:18-21

After telling his community that they were armed against evil by their knowledge of Christ, the author now tells them that the hour is near. Christ has died and is risen, and the second coming must be approaching. He warns them to be alert and watch out for the antichrist. (This designation occurs only in the writings of St. John. In Matthew and Mark they are called false messiahs, in St. Paul’s letters the same person(s) is designated “lawless one.”) This group of “antichrists” mentioned by the biblical authors seems to indicate a group of persons who were teaching falsely about Jesus.

St. John identifies these antichrists as individuals who schismatically leave the faith community, holding false premises. He then tells those who are faithful to be steadfast because they are anointed in the truth.

CCC: 1 Jn 2:18 670, 672, 675; 1 Jn 2:20 91, 695

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13

R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Sing to the LORD a new song;

sing to the LORD, all you lands.

Sing to the LORD; bless his name;

announce his salvation, day after day.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;

let the sea and what fills it resound;

let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!

Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the LORD.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

The LORD comes,

he comes to rule the earth.

He shall rule the world with justice

and the peoples with his constancy.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

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Commentary on Ps 96:1-2, 11-12, 13

This song of praise exhorts the people to praise the Lord for his wondrous works of creation. The reason for this exhortation is that God will come to rule the earth with his justice. In this passage we see the forerunner of the understanding of the new Jerusalem – the heavenly kingdom.

CCC: Ps 96:2 2143

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Gospel: John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came to be through him,

and without him nothing came to be.

What came to be through him was life,

and this life was the light of the human race;

the light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness has not overcome it.

A man named John was sent from God.

He came for testimony, to testify to the light,

so that all might believe through him.

He was not the light,

but came to testify to the light.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world,

and the world came to be through him,

but the world did not know him.

He came to what was his own,

but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him

he gave power to become children of God,

to those who believe in his name,

who were born not by natural generation

nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision

but of God.

And the Word became flesh

and made his dwelling among us,

and we saw his glory,

the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son,

full of grace and truth.

John testified to him and cried out, saying,

“This was he of whom I said,

‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me

because he existed before me.’”

From his fullness we have all received,

grace in place of grace,

because while the law was given through Moses,

grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

No one has ever seen God.

The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,

has revealed him.

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Commentary on Jn 1:1-18

The introduction of St. John’s Gospel first provides the description of the relationship of God and Jesus who is the Logos – or Word of God. The Word is light to the world and all things are subordinate to the Word because they were created by and through the Word.

St. John then introduces John the Baptist as one who came to testify to the light (now homologous above with the Word). His message, like that of Jesus, was not accepted by the very people created by the Lord. He goes on to say that those who accept Christ are adopted by God.

Concluding this selection, the evangelist makes his own profession as he speaks of the incarnation of the eternal as “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” His divinity is once more established as he says “we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son.” This was the message St. John tells us he was sent to bring. He then reestablishes himself as messenger and servant of the one who sent him, Jesus. He says that while Moses brought the Law, Christ came and revealed God himself.

CCC: Jn 1:1-3 291; Jn 1:1 241, 454, 2780; Jn 1:3 268; Jn 1:4 612; Jn 1:6 717; Jn 1:7 719; Jn 1:9 1216; Jn 1:11 530; Jn 1:12-18 1996; Jn 1:12-13 706; Jn 1:12 526, 1692; Jn 1:13 496, 505, 526; Jn 1:14 423, 445, 454, 461, 594, 705, 2466; Jn 1:16 423, 504; Jn 1:17 2787; Jn 1:18 151, 454, 473

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Reflection:

We are once more awed by the opening phrases of St. John’s Gospel as he tells us: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  Even as we reflect on the profound implications of these words we are struck by the contrast in tone of the evangelist’s First Letter that was our first reading.

There is something important in that first reading, something that is central to our belief in the Word.  If we truly believe in the truth, that “In the Beginning” (before time, before creation) Christ existed in the Father and with the Father, “the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” when we believe this there is a transformation within us.  That transformation is accomplished in us by God at our baptism and sealed in us at our confirmation.  If some later event occurs that drives us away from God, if some antichrist or false teacher places a wedge between us and God, that change of character is still there.

In the Detroit Michigan area a few years ago a 15 year old boy was in jail for shooting and killing a police officer.  They treated him as an adult.  As the image of this young man was shown on the TV screen sitting in the court room, we could not help but wonder where had he been twisted?  At what point had those entrusted with the light of faith failed to protect him from those who had taught him to disrespect civil authority, that violence was an acceptable path?

St. John is speaking to his congregation about a different sort of situation. He speaks of those converted but not baptized, who were, in a sense, shopping for something to believe in.  When they fell away from the Christian community and began persecuting the Christians, some of the faithful wondered if God’s saving hand had left them. 

In our day and age we see the same kind of thing from time to time as aspirants, desperate to find something to believe in, “explore” the faith.  We know that those who leave, who reject the faith, often find it too difficult.  It requires them to change their lifestyles, attitudes, or secular views more than they are willing or able to do. In the analogy of the light of faith, they blaze instantly, like flash powder, but then go completely dark – essentially burning out.

Belief in the Logos, the Word made flesh, and all that is implied by that belief, is hard.  Belief, true belief, requires us to act in certain ways, and often respond with counterintuitive actions, not in our best interests but out of love.  In this upcoming year, let us pledge to become more in tune with the Word, who was and is.  Let us work diligently to help the world become a better place where young people (and old) will not be left to the false teachers and antichrists of our day.

Pax

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[1] The picture used today is “Nativity” by Francesco Di Giorgio Martini, 1488-94.

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.