Mary, Mother of God, Friday – 1st January 2020 — Gospel: Lk 2,16-21
Peace in His Name
As we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, we contemplate her unique role in God’s plan of salvation and for bringing peace to humanity. Only with her constant faith, she was able to face the number of challenges, struggles and pains. Her deep reflection over the Word of God helps her to understand the mysterious ways of God. Mary gave birth to the prince of Peace. This new born child is the true source of peace among families, communities, nations and in our hearts. Pope Francis in one of his messages for the world day of Peace said, “Jesus himself lived in violent times, yet he taught that the true battlefield, where violence peace meet, is the human heart.” In order to face the conflicts in life, Mary treasured everything in her heart and so found peace in her contemplation, prayer and actions of love.
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is identified with his name, which was not chosen by the parents, but was indicated directly from heaven. The angel named Jesus as one who accomplishes the glory of God. Jesus is of the house/son of David; he is Saviour; he is Messiah, and he is Lord. Mary accepts this name and responds to God’s salvation that is made available to all humankind. Luke gives meaning “the Lord saves” to the name Jesus. Matthew explains saying that he will save his people from their sins (Mt 1,21). Luke mentions some who called Jesus by name; they are not just or perfect, but only the marginalized. They are the possessed (Lk 4,34), the lepers: “Jesus, teacher, have mercy on us” (Lk 17,13), the blind: “Jesus, the son of David, have mercy on me” (Lk 18,38) and the criminal who dies on the cross beside him: “Jesus, remember me when you enter into your kingdom” (Lk 23,42). Peter reminds the religious leaders: “No other name in fact under heaven is given to people, through whom they are saved” (Acts 4,12). Paul upholds that ‘at the name of Jesus every knee should bend and every tongue proclaim that he is the Lord’ (Phil 2,9-11). As children of God we are to sow seeds of love and spread the peace of the Babe of Bethlehem around.
