The Octave Day of Christmas | Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
Intention: That with a new year will come a new spirit in all people that inspires us to work together to heal our broken world with compassion, peace, and justice.
Today’s 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.
From the Meditation for the Circumcision of Our Lord Jesus Christ | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Consider The Eternal Father having informed the Most Blessed Virgin by the angel who announced to her the mystery of the Incarnation of his Son, whom she is to call Jesus, on this day she and Saint Joseph gave him this name, which means Savior. It was quite proper that when Jesus Christ began to suffer and to shed his blood for our sins, this name be given to him at the same time, so that from this moment he has the name so admirably suited to him according to the ministry assigned to him. At the same time, he offers himself exteriorly and publicly to God, his Father, to fulfill this ministry, so that he might not seem to have this adorable name in vain.
Is it only in vain that you have the name of Christian and minister of Jesus Christ in the work you do? Do you live in a manner that befits these glorious names? Do you instruct those for whom you are responsible with the attention and the zeal God asks of you in so holy a work? By your good conduct, be worthy of this distinguished role. Act in such a way that your life may begin today to be holy and edifying and continue to be such in the future.
Prayer
Eternal Father, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and the start of a new year, we pray that we might be born anew in faith. Awaken us to the sacredness that surrounds us and calls us to live life to the full. Bless our relationships with those who we love and reconcile us to those with whom our relationships are broken. Heal us from our sins and make us instruments of your peace and justice. May your Kingdom be built through the work of our hands and the love in our hearts. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.