MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Psalter: ProPer SOlEMniTY WORlD DAY OF PEAcE

White

From antiquity, Mary has been called “God-Bearer”. The word in Greek is “Theotokos”. The term was used as part of the popular piety of the early first millennium church.

Entrance Antiphon

Hail, Holy Mother, who gave birth to the King, who rules heaven and earth forever.

Collect

O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary bestowed on the human race the grace of eternal salvation, grant, we pray, that we may experience the intercession of her, through whom we were found worthy to receive the author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

First Reading: Numbers 6:22-27  

The Lord spoke to Moses and said, ‘Say this to Aaron and his sons: “This is how you are to bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace.” This is how they are to call down my name on the sons of Israel, and I will bless them.’

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 66 (67):2-3,5,6,8 R/O God, be gracious and bless us.

1. O God, be gracious and bless us, and let your face shed its light upon us. So will your ways be known upon earth, and all nations learn your saving help.
2. Let the nations be glad and exult, for you rule the world with justice. With fairness you rule the peoples, you guide the nations on earth.
3. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all peoples praise you. May God still give us his blessing, till the ends of the earth revere him.

Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7

When the appointed time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born a subject of the Law, to redeem the subjects of the Law and to enable us to be adopted as sons. The proof that you are sons is that God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts: the Spirit that cries, ‘Abba, Father,’ and it is this that makes you a son, you are not a slave anymore; and if God has made you son, then he has made you heir.

Gospel Acclamation: Hebrews 1:1-2

Alléluia, alléluia! At various times in the past and in various different ways, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; but in our own time, the last days, he has spoken to us through his Son. Alléluia!

Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds hurried away to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child, they repeated what they had been told about him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds had to say. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; it was exactly as they had been told. When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception.

Prayer over the Offerings

O God, who in your kindness begin all good things and bring them to fulfilment, grant to us, who find joy in the Solemnity of the holy Mother of God, that, just as we glory in the beginnings of your grace, so one day we may rejoice in its completion. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon : Hebrew 13: 8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Prayer after Communion

We have received this heavenly Sacrament with joy, O Lord: grant, we pray, that it may lead us to eternal life, for we rejoice to proclaim the blessed ever-Virgin Mary Mother of your Son and Mother of the Church. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the World Day of Prayer for peace and the first day of the New Year 2024. Happy New Year!   The theme of peace permeates the Christmas season, as seen in the liturgical texts and melodies. At his birth, angels were singing «Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to people of Goodwill. Our newborn king, Jesus, is the «prince of peace.» Our Blessed Mother, whom we celebrate today, is the mother of God, the mother of the «prince of peace.» No wonder the Church calls her Queen of Peace. Peace is essential for our nation and world. As we begin this New Year, it is an appropriate time to dedicate ourselves to pursuing peace. Conflict and trouble are destroying many people. As Christians, we must pray for peace and always work hard to champion the cause of peace. Peace is the blessing we need from the Church, our governments, work areas, schools, and brothers and sisters from all walks of life. May God continue to bless us with His ‘Peace.’