Solemnity of Mary, Mother of
God, Cycles A-B-C
Celebrant: As we begin a New Year, let us bring our prayers and
needs to our heavenly Father with confidence.
Deacon/Lector:
That the Church may effectively proclaim to
the world the divinity of Christ and the special role of our blessed Mother, we
pray to the Lord…
That Church leaders may be strengthened by
God’s grace as they face the challenges of the New Year, we pray to the Lord…
That the leaders of nations will seek equality
and peace for all people as they enact just laws, we pray to the Lord…
That the prayers of the Mother of God may
strengthen all mothers to follow her example of welcoming new life despite fear,
doubt, and uncertainty, we pray to the Lord...
That the lonely and neglected may be
encouraged by our prayers and concern for them, we pray to the Lord…
That all who have died in faith may dwell in
Christ’s abundant love for eternity, we pray to the Lord…
Celebrant:
Father,
as we begin this New Year,
open our hearts and minds to the many blessings you offer,
and give us joy in following your Son Jesus Christ,
who is Lord forever and ever. Amen.
Bulletin Insert
Happy New Year!
The beginning of a
new calendar year brings us a special joy and hope. It is a reminder that time
is a gift of God, given to us from His eternity, for us to use to prepare for
eternity. The passing of each year and each day is meant to be an exchange with
God: He gives us time, and we give our days and years back to Him in service and
love, bringing as much good as possible into the world and into the lives of
others. The New Year is an opportunity to resolve, above all, to serve God
faithfully: to believe more firmly, to hope more ardently, to love more
generously. That is what makes a new year “happy,” and that is what leads us to
the happiness that never ends.
Homily Suggestions on Pro-life Themes
Nm 6:22-27
Gal 4:4-7
Lk 2:16-21
The calendar year
starts with reflections on Mary’s greatest title, “Mother of God,” and how her
motherhood gives us courage and hope to start anew. Life and hope are intimately
related. The more we hope, the more willing we are to welcome life. Abortion is
not only a sin against life, but a sin against hope. Some wonder how they can
“bring a child into this world,” as though the world is so evil and dangerous a
place that it is better if we aren’t born. Christ and Mary lead the way for
every mother and child, for every family, as we move forward from one New Year
into another.
The gospel tells
us that on the first Christmas, when the shepherds arrived in Bethlehem and saw
the baby in the manger, they understood what had been told to them by the
angels. Why was it at that moment that they understood the message? Perhaps it
is because a baby is so approachable. After all, the angels had announced that
the Savior was born for all people. Nobody, no matter how poor or lowly, should
be afraid to approach him. And how can God become more approachable than by
becoming a little baby? God continues to reveal himself in the tiny babies yet
in the womb. He invites us to see and love him in them. Yet some continue to be
afraid of these babies, so afraid that they despair and are tempted to kill
them. May the coming of our God as a little baby inspire a deeper respect and
protection for the unborn.
More Liturgical Resources
