MULTIPLE IDENTITIES - SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD (1/1/2023)

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
January 1, 2023

Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm 67
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:16-21

MULTIPLE IDENTITIES

"What is today again?" We might be tempted to ask that because the liturgical feast celebrated on January 1 has seen multiple changes and titles over the years. At various times it has been called: The Circumcision of the Lord; The Octave of the Nativity of the Lord; and The World Day of Prayer for Peace. In 1969, January 1 became known as "The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord, the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, and also the commemoration of the Most Holy Name of Jesus" - quite a mouthful!  Since 2002, however, the Name of Jesus is celebrated as an optional memorial on January 3. The fact is, January 1 has an ancient history of being a day to honor Our Blessed Lady.

As an aside, I once heard a liturgical scholar say that it is ironic that, for a day with so many liturgical identities, most Catholics think that they're supposed to go to Mass simply because it's New Year's Day!

NUMBERS

Our first reading is the well-known blessing of Aaron for the Israelites. It invokes the name of the Lord upon his people. This relates to the naming of Jesus in today's gospel reading. The blessing also prays that God would "let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you." (In 2020 these words were set to music in a contemporary Christian genre and quickly spread worldwide, winning numerous awards.)

The Responsorial, Psalm 67, also asks for God's blessing and mercy - appropriate anytime but especially so on January 1!

GOSPEL

Prior to the Missal of Pope Paul VI in 1969, the gospel for today was simply one verse relating the circumcision and naming of Jesus. In 1969, today's gospel was expanded to include the verses recounting the visit of the shepherds to see Mary, Joseph, and the "infant lying in the manger." These verses twice refer to Mary - appropriate for today's solemnity in her honor.

GALATIANS

Our second reading focuses on the central mystery of the Incarnation and Redemption. The reading is both Trinitarian and Marian. We are told that "God sent his Son, born of a woman (Mary), born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." Then we hear that "God sent the Spirit into our hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" God the Father sent his Son, born of Mary, and also sent the Spirit to us - Trinitarian and Marian in a few short verses.

We rejoice that we are no longer slaves but adopted children and heirs to the riches of salvation and the kingdom of God! Appropriate sentiments anytime but especially so as we begin a new calendar year today.

SO, WHAT DAY IS IT?

Of course, most people would answer "New Year's Day." Growing up, I remember going to Mass (and wondering what "circumcision" meant), the Tournament of Roses parade, football bowl games (several), and blackeyed peas (no idea why). Today, I'm thankful for another year and ask the Lord's blessing upon it, especially through the intercession of the Holy Mother of God. As the Responsorial Psalm says, "May God bless us in his mercy!"