New Year’s Day | Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Reflection

“So they went in haste 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.” –Luke 2:16-19

Prayer

God of Hope,

You give us every reason to have hope in your promises. Yet that still doesn’t make it easy for us. By faith and commitment, we have to learn to hold fast to the dreams you have placed in our hearts, for our families, our communities, and our world. Thank you for the example of Mary your mother, who showed her great faith by pondering the words she’d been told about her new baby son, Jesus. Just as Mary “kept all these things” in her heart and then watched them unfold over time, help us to hold onto your words, as we share in your mission together. May we look forward in hope to see your promises fulfilled in the lives of those around us. Amen.

Call to Action

Are there hopes and dreams that I’ve stopped holding onto for family or friends? Revive them today, pondering them in my heart.