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Gospel Reading for January 01, 2026 – Luke 2: 16-21
ASSURED
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
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.
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The feast we celebrate today is not meant to make Mary a pseudo-god but is meant to emphasize that the Son of God indeed became man so humankind may be saved from eternal destruction. This became possible because Mary obediently responded to God’s will without counting the cost.
As we look back at the year 2025, are we able to see the times when we said “yes” to God’s will without counting the cost and by it brought blessings to others? Saying “yes” to God also brought blessings to us – the happiness and peace that comes from knowing that we had been a blessing to others; the strength and resilience we gained from facing the challenges that came our way; the wisdom we gained from lessons learned; and most of all, being ASSURED of God’s love forever and always!
Lord, as we face the new year, we are filled with HOPE that whatever is in store for us, you will always be with us!
