Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Mary Treasures the Gift of Peace
Liturgical Cycle: B | Lectionary Cycle: I
Introduction
At the beginning of the year, the Church celebrates Mary, the Holy Mother of God, and completes the octave of Christmas. With the shepherds we approach the child; with Mary we treasure the mystery in our hearts. We ask that the blessing of God bring peace into our homes and our world.
Opening Prayer
God our Father,
through Mary you have given us Jesus,
your Son and our brother.
Teach us to receive him with faith,
to treasure his word in our hearts,
and to become servants of his peace.
Guide our steps throughout this new year,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading
Priestly Blessing
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
“Speak to Aaron and his sons and say to them: This is how you shall bless the people of Israel; you shall say:
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
May the Lord let his face
shine on you
and be gracious to you!
May the Lord
look kindly on you
and give you his peace!
In that way shall they put my name on the people of Israel, and I will bless them.”
Responsorial Psalm
R. (2a) May God bless us in his mercy.
May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.
R. May God bless us in his mercy.
May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.
R. May God bless us in his mercy.
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R. May God bless us in his mercy.
Second Reading
But when the fullness of time arrived, God sent his Son. He came born of a woman and subject to the law,
in order to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children of God.
And because you are children, God has sent into your hearts the spirit of his Son, who cries out: Abba, Father!
So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child, also an heir through God.
Alleluia Verse
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;
in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
So they hurried there and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the feeding trough.
On seeing him, they told what they had been told about the child;
and everyone was amazed when they heard the shepherds.
As for Mary, she treasured all these words and kept them in her heart.
The shepherds then returned, giving glory and praise to God for everything they had heard and seen, just as the angels had told them.
On the eighth day, the baby was circumcised; he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
Prayers of the Faithful
For the Church, that she may bear Christ to the world with Mary’s humility and trust, we pray:
For leaders of nations, that they may seek reconciliation and protect those threatened by war, we pray:
For families and all who begin this year in sorrow or uncertainty, that they may find support and hope, we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts
Father of goodness,
receive these gifts and our desire
to begin this year in your peace.
Unite us to the self-giving love of your Son
and make us generous to one another.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer after Communion
God of life,
we thank you for the gift of Jesus.
With Mary, may we keep his word
and carry his peace into our daily lives.
Remain with us in every season of this year.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessing
May the Lord guide your steps in peace and make you a blessing to others. May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gospel Reflection — newly written
Mary does not rush past the mystery unfolding before her. She holds it in her heart. At the beginning of a new year, we can imitate her by receiving each day before trying to control it. Peace begins when we make room for Jesus and allow his presence to shape our words, decisions and care for others. What gift of God needs your quiet attention today?