Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord
It is entirely appropriate that the first day of the new year always coincides with the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God. The marvel of the Incarnation, that God elected to clothe Himself in our small, finite, limited humanity, is enough to occupy one in contemplation throughout the year. In deciding to be born as a human child, however, our Lord also ordained that He should have a mother. And what an absolutely incredible mother she is.
All of the physical matter necessary for the formation and development of the Lord’s human body was derived from Mary’s own flesh and blood. Mary’s own Immaculate Conception was thus necessary for her special role as Mother of God. The pure flesh and blood of our Lord were first formed in the womb of a virgin who herself was untouched by the very real physical and spiritual effects of sin.
Mary’s role as Mother of God should give us tremendous comfort and confidence as we begin this new year. From the Cross, the words of Christ echo across space and time: “Behold your mother.” Mary, chosen to be the Mother of God, is also the mother of us all. She is our constant advocate who never ceases to bring our needs before the throne of God. Moreover, she is our most loving and attentive Mother who is always ready to assist us, her children, with all of our needs, no matter how large or small.