We are finishing 2024. Probably, most of us are making resolutions for 2025. Some of us want to lose weight, work out more often, read more books, study, save money, and so on. All the resolutions that we keep in mind are good, because we are thinking about ourselves and other people in a positive way.
The Roman Catholic Church also is thinking about each one of us. Hence, in this time of Christmas, the Church introduces us to the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on January 1st. You can wonder why Mary is called Mother of God if she was just another human being. The first thing that we need to know is that the theological term for this title for Mary is “Theotokos.” This is a term that Catholic and Orthodox Churches use for Mary and came from the early centuries of the Church. The Council of Ephesus, in 431 A.D., insisted “If anyone does not confess that God is truly Emmanuel, and that on this account the holy virgin is the “Theotokos” (for according to the flesh she gave birth to the word of God become flesh by birth) let him be anathema.” This council also emphasized the double nature of Jesus, human and Divine. If Mary is the Mother of Jesus, and Jesus is Divine (that means that He is God); therefore, Mary is the mother of God. In other words, the title Mary is the “Mother of God” refers not to the relationship between Mary and God, the Father, but to Mary and God, the Son, who is Jesus. “In the encyclical Marialis Cultus (1974) Pope Paul VI states: ‘This celebration, assigned to January 1 in conformity with the ancient liturgy of the city of Rome, is meant to commemorate the part played by Mary in this mystery of salvation’” (ewtn).
Let us begin 2025 in the company of our Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. As we make resolutions for the new year, let us make another important resolution: to be closer to God. The Mother of God will help us with this resolution. She always introduces us to our Lord, our God, and our Savior, and at the same time, she is leading us to see her Son. In this 2025, may all of us feel the love and blessings of God, and share this wonderful love with our brothers and sisters.
I want to wish you a Happy New Year!
¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
Let us pray:
Almighty Father, I thank You graciously for the New Year 2025. I ask You, Lord, to bless my family, as we begin this blessed new year with a renewed hope in You. Lord, I thank You so much for all that You have done for my family and me. Your hand on our lives is so much more than we could ask for. Your blessings are so greatly appreciated. Amen!
Remember, The parish that we dream is the parish that I help to build!
God bless you and may the Blessed Virgin Mary be with you always!
Fr. Jorge Ramírez
