Mary and Peace

Today’s first reading (Numbers 6:22-27) highlights the priestly blessing. The final line declares, “The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:26) “Peace” in the Hebrew means far more than the absence of hostility. It is a very positive word, meaning fullness, completion, perfection. This word applies perfectly to Mary, whose life demonstrates her complete commitment to God. God in turn bestowed the fullness of his blessings on the mother of his Son. On the night of Jesus’ birth the heavenly host praised God as they sang, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth PEACE to those on whom his favor rests,” (Luke 2:14) That favor of God certainly rested first and foremost on the mother of our Lord. In today’s second reading (Galatians 4:4-7) Saint Paul informs his readers, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, BORN OF A WOMAN, born under the law to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption.” (Galatians 4:4) That woman is the Blessed Virgin Mary! Today’s gospel (Luke 2:16-21) provides details about the Holy Family. The shepherds had been informed about the wondrous birth of the Messiah, The key sentence is, “For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” (Luke 2:11) “Messiah’ and “Lord” tell who Jesus is, namely the son of David and the Son of God. “Savior” informs the reader that Christ will save his people. Jesus means “Savior.” The shepherds share all these great titles of Jesus with his parents. Saint Luke says, “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) The importance of the words of the shepherds will become ever clearer, especially as Jesus begins his public ministry. He will be identified as the son of David, the savior and the SON OF GOD. ~ Fr. Ralph