A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to 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.
REFLECTION: Brothers and sisters, in today’s Gospel it seems like Christmas day and the opening of gifts. Luke provides us with a story with many gifts for us to reflect on. What seems to be a simple story, is more than that. Today’s Gospel gives us one gift after another.
The shepherds believed in the Good News and went off believing and trusting on a star, that led them to the place of the newborn and witnessed the birth of Jesus. We can learn from that, to trust in God and treasure the things in our lives, even if we don’t always understand them.
As a child, I remember how excited I was on Christmas day, to open my gifts and I couldn’t wait to tell my friends everything I received. The shepherds were excited to share the news of Jesus’ birth. Christmas can become routine, but this passage reminds us, that the birth of Jesus is a celebration, that’s worth getting excited about and one, to share with everyone that does not know Him.
At Christmas, the Gospel invites us to focus on Luke’s story of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, and John’s reflection on the Word made Flesh. Today’s Gospel shifts the focus, ever so slightly to Mary, and by her “yes”, the mystery of the incarnation is revealed, even though, she struggled to understand God’s ways. Mary is the Mother of Jesus, who is both human and divine, and is also the Mother of God.
God has shown us His love, as he became flesh in Jesus, and then shed His blood for us, to help us understand His love, from our human perspective. This we must greet with wonder, praise, and treasure. From the moment of conception, God already knows us by name and loves us, and we carry that love, through all our life.
In the New Year, we are challenged to think about new resolutions and make plans. Just as Mary and Joseph, reflect on what new ways, you may want to place yourselves in God’s hands, discerning, as best you can, God’s will for you, in 2025.
ACTION FOR THE DAY: Mary struggled to comprehend the ways of God in her life. Yet, she was obedient to God’s message, forever pondering the mysterious ways of God. We too are called to treasure “all these things” in our hearts and trust that their power will transform our lives, even if we do not always understand.
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