Luke 2:16-21
Many truths of faith are so apparent to us that we do not spend much time reflecting on them or thinking that someone could not believe as we do. One such truth, pronounced by the Church as dogma in the fifth century, is that Mary is the Mother of God. Discussions around the Council of Ephesus that resulted in highlighting Mary’s particular role in bearing God Himself arose from the assurance that God indeed had become a man, and as a man did not loose His divinity. There was no split, shift or exchange between Christ the Messiah and the historical Jesus. If such is our faith, as it has been since the beginning of the Church, even before the conciliar discussions on this topic, it means that Mary’s miraculously conceived Son was similar to us in His humanity, though different through His divine status. Therefore, as much as we particularly venerate Our Lady on this first day of 2023, we never pray for her intercession in separation from Christ, whose Nativity we have just celebrated.
Jesus, being both God and man, because of His human nature, is circumcised in today’s Gospel. Circumcision was justly fulfilled as the Law prescribed in order to make us God’s children, as St Paul tells us in the second reading. It is a beautiful reminder at the beginning of this new year that God is with us, regardless of what we have done, whatever has been and is happening, with all the difficulties of life… He is our Father because Jesus, the Son of God, became man. That is why we can look forward to the future with hope. God does not consider us as a random configuration of cells but as His beloved children. Why would He not bless and keep us, be gracious to us, uncover His face and bring peace? All of that may be fulfilled in accordance with His will. We just need to trust and try to see God’s plan even in difficulties. Mary is an example that whatever happens, trust is the correct answer if we allow God to be a part of our lives.
Łukasz Gołąb – Seminary of the Good Shepherd, Sydney, Australia