Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 2, 16-21
The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.
When eight days were completed for his circumcision,
he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb.
They found Mary
Today is the eighth day after Christmas. The Christmas octave concludes with Mary, and we start the new year with her, continuing our journey toward God, with God, and for God. Mary keeps each of us close in her heart.
1. In haste This year, choose what inspires you to truly live. Allow yourself the chance to embrace life with joy—don’t let bitterness or uncertainty steal your purpose. Like the angels and shepherds, who both went out to share the good news, remember that to proclaim great things, humility is essential. Approach this year with the humility of the truly great and become a messenger of what’s really important.
2. Mary. Today, we celebrate Mary as the Mother of God. She teaches us that obeying God brings true freedom and enables us to support and build up the lives of others. Keep striving to follow God’s will for your life, and may Mary protect your heart throughout this year.
3. Her heart. May your heart be filled with faith and joy this year, and above all, a passion for life and its blessings. Today, as Catholic digital missionaries, we mark another year since our journey began in 2017—a mission that now reaches many countries and every continent. May we continue to touch lives and hearts this year. Let us unite in prayer as the new year begins.
Jesus, I ask for the gift of hope and the grace to trust in you; to face challenges and adversities with you by my side, confident that you are always within me.
Lord Jesus, help me recognize you in others, distance myself from those who draw me away from you, and love my brothers and sisters every moment of my life.
For it is in giving that we receive, in loving that we are loved, and in helping that we are helped.
May I become a beacon of hope, so that as I await redemption, I may help lead souls to heaven and rejoice in your love. Amen.
Remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
