Out with the old, in with the new. As we celebrate the end and the beginning of a year, the Church turns our attention to a little town of Bethlehem—to the birth of our Savior, surrounded by His Father and Mother. An event that went unnoticed by the world until the Child grew and disturbed the peace.
We remember Mary, Mother of God because Jesus is God. The only reason we remember Mary is because of Her Son. He makes her great. Jesus gives us our identity, our reason for living.
2019 years of evangelization and we still make war. Acts of violence dominate the news. Infidelity continues to destroy marriages. Obviously we much work remains to be done. Yet, before we attempt to change anything around us, we have to change ourselves. We have to be the change that we want to see.
Resolutions are easily made and easily broken. Only by opening our heart to the grace of God can we hope to grow in holiness. Three rules all of us should follow: Be kind, be kind, be kind. Of course kindness starts at home. Not complicated. Some times, just putting up with each other can be a redemptive moment.
Joseph, Mary and Jesus made a difference in the world, not by doing anything extra-ordinary—just by loving each other. We are challenged to do the same. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.