Eight speaks of eternity. The seven days of the week signify natural completion of time, so seven-plus-one embodies the first and never-ending day of the fulfillment beyond time. It is, therefore, quite appropriate that the New Year should begin on the eighth day of our celebration of God become man with us. Today is also World Day of Prayer for Peace. The proper, official title of this day in the Church calendar is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a title which embraces all other titles and feasts of Mary, and defines her role in God’s plan of salvation. As mother of Christ, she is therefore mother of the whole body of Christ, the Church.

This is almost the same reading as the dawn Mass on Christmas, but the slight change in verse selection shifts the emphasis from the visit of the shepherds (introduced by v 15) to the life and mission of Jesus. The circumcision of v 21 signifies his participation in the covenant God had made with his people in ancient days and pledged his active cooperation as a Jew with God’s power to renew all things. As Messiah, Jesus embodies all that it means to be a Jew and brings the covenant with God into a new dimension of universality, making God available to all people, not just a chosen race.

This blessing of vv 24-26 was usually spoken by the Hebrew priests over the people at the end of liturgical ceremonies. It implies both God’s favor (v 25) and an active conformity to his will (v 26). In this reading it serves as a remembrance of Christ as the enduring blessing of God.

This psalm expresses the universality of God’s saving love. Response: "May God bless us in his mercy."

This message is put in simple terms, and yet is so difficult to grasp and realize. What Jesus Christ is, as the Son of God, his Spirit makes us to become.

Christian, recognize your dignity as a son or daughter of God . . . and live in accord with it!

1. How is Mary a sign of God’s favor to all people?

2. Is this an appropriate feast for New Year’s Day? Why or why not?