Today is traditionally a day of resolution making. So, on this feast of Mary, I would like to suggest some resolutions inspired by the mother of God.
Be open to God’s will. In our first scriptural encounter with Mary, we meet a young Jewish girl who says, “Yes,” to God’s strange request, even without total understanding. Her response was one of complete trust and courage. She didn’t say, “Who me? I’m engaged, what would people think?” She said, “Yes,” She believed she had gifts that were being called upon and she had the courage to be open to God’s will for her. Exercise the same openness to God when your gifts are called upon, even if you feel too busy or afraid. Trust and the power of the Holy Spirit will support you.
Be a Christ bearer to the world. The Greeks gave Mary the title, Theotokos, which means God-bearer. And, indeed, she is the bearer of God made flesh to the world. We, too, bear Christ’s Spirit in us and share him with the world through our presence, love, and service. This year, do your Christ-bearing more consciously and each time recognize Christ being reborn in you through your love and actions.
Be attentive to the needs of others. Remember the wedding feast at Cana? Mary was the one who noticed the depletion of wine, and she was the one who did something about it. Sensitive to others, she did not shrink from taking responsibility when she saw a need that she could help meet. Use that same sensitivity, attentiveness, and leadership in your home, neighborhood, and community.
Be compassionate toward those who suffer. Mary at the foot of the cross was the epitome of compassion. She is also the compassionate companion of every sorrowful person who has experienced a loss, suffered sickness, heartache, and pain. This year when you are called upon to stand at the foot of the cross of those countless crosses of others, open yourself to share their pain with loving passion. Compassion means to suffer with.
Be open to the call of the spirit. In the story of Pentecost, we find Mary and the other disciples being empowered by Christ’s Spirit to become church. In that upper room, they understand what it means to bring Christ’s life, care, concern, attention, compassion, and hope to others. Place yourself next to Mary in that room, open yourself to the Spirit and better understand what living your baptismal call means. We are initiated into the church to make a difference in the world through our discipleship.
I wish you peace on this first feast of the New Year. Just think, we have finished the first decade of the 21st century. It certainly wasn’t what I had imagined it would be like but hopefully the new year will be a holy one filled with much grace. May your resolutions, whatever they are, enable you to experience the peace and grace you seek.
I pray that this new year will be a blessed one for you and may you be a blessings to others. “May the Lord bless you and keep you! May the Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! May the Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!”