January 1, The Octave Day of Christmas
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
Daily readings: Numbers 6:22–27, Galatians 4:4–7, and Luke 2:16–21
The most trusted person in the Holy Bible is Mother Mary. That is why God entrusted not only His only Son Jesus to Mother Mary but also the Church so that she may protect Christ’s Body, the Church.
The priestly blessing that we have in the Book of Numbers ensures God’s gifts of posterity, land, good health, the ever-abiding presence of God, and everything that would make human life possible. God assures protection from evil. The blessing that God’s face may shine upon His people guarantees God’s gratuitous love and compassion. The final word is benediction. The Hebrew word ‘shalom’ is the sum total of true peace, serenity, wholeness, safety, completeness, prosperity, longevity, happiness in a family, safety, security, good health, friendship, and well-being.
St. Paul, in his Letter to the Galatians, reminds us that Jesus was born in the fullness of time, and it is through him that we have become the children of God. Upon receiving the Holy Spirit, we can address God as Father.
The Gospel reading from St. Luke tells us that the Shepherds were amazed at the sight of the Son of God in simple, vulnerable, plain, and poor human form. They realized that the angels were true in all that they told them about Jesus. They glorified and praised God. Mary treasured everything in her heart and pondered it.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: What is our reaction when we look at Jesus in the manger? Is it not a challenge to identify ourselves with the less privileged, marginalized, and oppressed?
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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