New Year's Day 2025 - Mary, Mother of God
Preaching by Sister Bibiana "Bless" Colasito, OP

Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Numbers 6:22-27
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:16-21

On this solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, let us bring into our presence today the memories of our mothers, deceased and living. Let us also bring our sisters into this gathering, on whose shoulders we stand. This celebration of Mary's motherhood is not only a memento of her role in the mystery of the incarnation but also of the women in our lives who were instrumental in who we are now. Like Mary who carried Jesus in her womb, our biological mothers gently took us into the world too. When the appointed time came, our sisters in the congregation took us into their loving arms, nurturing the gift of vocation in us, and guiding us in the life that we were called to live. Their nurturing and life-giving love underlines the motherhood that all of us need today and the coming generation.

Central in the Gospel today is the presence of the shepherds. Upon hearing the good news from the angels, the shepherds “went with haste” to Bethlehem (Lk. 2:8-20). Interestingly, the shepherds mentioned in the scriptures are nameless people who came to worship the baby Jesus. They were referred to as shepherds. They did not even represent a certain number. They were mentioned in the Gospel of Luke (2:8-20) “as shepherds watching their flocks at night.”

This good news about the birth of Jesus was not only made known to the shepherds. It was also announced through the guidance of a star to three wise men whose names were also absent in the Gospel according to Mathew.

However, during the medieval period, the names Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar became commonly accepted in the Christian tradition. These names were recorded in various texts and depicted in art and literature. Over time, unlike the shepherds, the wise men were given names and numbers, as they were three learned men from the East.

In the narrative of the birth of Jesus according to Luke, diversity, equity, and inclusion are the resounding message of the gospel. In the social and cultural contexts of the Jewish people, shepherds were generally considered marginalized and held a low social status. They were often seen as part of the lower class and were sometimes viewed with suspicion or disdain. Their itinerant lifestyle and the nature of their work kept them on the fringes of settled community life and religious observance. This made it difficult for them to adhere strictly to ceremonial laws, further contributing to their marginalization.

But why would it be that the good news of that Christmas morning was first revealed to the shepherds? The preference of God in revealing himself is for the humble and the simple, demonstrating that the message of salvation is for all people, regardless of social status, regardless of cultural upbringing.

Today, a huge number of faceless and nameless people exist everywhere. They are the shepherds of our time. Their number is even unimaginable. They are in cities and rural areas, scouring the darkness for safety and shelter. For them, darkness may mean literal night, a state of fear, confusion, or uncertainty. For our sisters and brothers who are unfortunate to have this condition, life is always on the brink of death.

On this day of the New Year, let us pray that the wings of grace and abundant blessings travel to the numerous people who need God’s blessings.

Let our positive energies accompany these wings of grace to embrace those who are lonely and desperate, those who need healing from broken relationships among families, friends, and communities. With faith, let us recognize the mystery of the Incarnation as a grace to be shared with everyone—women and men, young and old alike.

Like Mary, may we treasure the words of the Gospel and ponder them in our hearts.

As we enter the Jubilee year, let us pray that all people may seek forgiveness and foster reconciliation in all hearts.

May the care for our sisters and brothers, the care of our Common Home, and love in every family be our new beginning and resolutions of this New Year.

Happy New Year! Feliz Año Nuevo! Manigong Bagong Taon!