Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
Sunday January 1, 2023
Mass Readings for the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
- First Reading – Numbers 6:22-27: “The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8: “May God bless us in his mercy.”
- Second Reading – Galatians 4:4-7: “When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”
- Gospel – Luke 2:16-21: “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”
Themes for the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
This feast day celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary in her role as the mother of our Lord Jesus. The first reading gives a traditional blessing. The second reading tells how Jesus was born of Mary to save us. And in the gospel, we hear how the shepherds visited the Holy Family after the birth of Jesus.
- Mary as our mother
- The ups and downs of being a parent
- Our identity as children of God
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God.
Resources for the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
Yes No Game
The Yes No game is a fun activity for your youth group or youth ministry meeting. It can be tied in with teaching by reminding us that we need to say “Yes” to God.
Why Do Catholics Pray to Mary? A Lesson Plan
Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the saints? This lesson plan will help youth understand that it is like asking a friend to pray for you. And it points out that this type of “prayer” is not the same as worship.
Homilies and Reflections for the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
Mary Our Mother
Jeff Cavins reflects upon this week’s Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, focusing on how Mary is not just Jesus’ mother but ours as well. Jeff encourages us to reach out to our mother in heaven, and to God our father.
Heart Filling and Heart Knowing
From Fr. Richard Rohr of the Center for Action and Contemplation. We can say Happy New Year to each other, but in our hearts we might be concerned about what the new year will bring. But we have been given a promise and a gift for the new year. Like Mary, we can reflect from a place where our minds, our bodies, our emotions, and our spirits all meet. It is a place of truth and honesty.
Children of God
From Scott Hahn. “Today we give thanks to Mary, the Mother of God. Her response to the angel, born of a humble heart, brought us life and salvation in the Child conceived in her womb.” Continue reading.
More Thoughts for the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
Mary certainly had a lot to reflect upon. She is holding her newborn son, born healthy and safe. Then a bunch of shepherds show up. These men were rough, working men. And they tell of angels visiting them, joyfully telling of her son’s birth.
She must have wondered what was going on. For even when our faith is strong it can be difficult to interpret what is going on around us. Mary did not become alarmed, or try to dismiss the not entirely clean shepherds who seemed intent on visiting her baby. She reflected, taking it all in.
Reflection Questions for the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
- When I am confused or troubled, do I act first or take time to reflect upon what might be happening?
- How can reflection keep fear at bay?
- How can I keep my thoughts focused on the promises of Christ?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
As we begin the New Year, we place ourselves under the protection of the Mother of God, who is also our mother. May she help us to keep and ponder all things, unafraid of trials, in the joyful certainty that the Lord is faithful and knows how to change crosses into resurrections.
Pope Francis
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