Bishop Vasquez on the Solemnity of the Mother of God

On January 1 the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Of the many titles given to the Virgin Mary, the title “Mother of God” directs our hearts and minds as much to Jesus as to Mary. We call her “Mother of God” because she gave birth to Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity.  This title for Mary expresses most profoundly the Mystery of the Incarnation.

The Christ Child is human like us in all things except without sin. As such, on this day we contemplate the truth that Jesus is truly human and truly God. Therefore, we honor Mary as the mother of Jesus and the Mother of God. We take this day to invoke the loving intercession and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, helping us to fill this New Year with the cardinal virtues of faith, hope and charity.
 
January 1 also marks the World Day of Peace, further amplifying Our Lady’s role in helping us create a world filled with peace and hope and a world in which we are called to grow in our commitment as stewards of God’s gifts, the greatest being the human person.  On this day of peace, let us pray that we find peace with one another, peace with God’s creation, and that we bring the peace of Christ to others. 
 
Since this year the Solemnity of Mary falls on a Saturday, it is not a holy day of obligation. However, I encourage you to attend Mass and, like Mary, listen and pray with gratitude and thankfulness for the real presence of God in our lives.
 
I wish you all a very blessed New Year.