Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 1, 2025

Date: Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God

Scripture Text: 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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today from the 2nd chapter of Luke recounts three separate realizations of the LORD’s will by those whom the LORD called to be instruments of His will. We see the shepherds’ visit to the Christ child as they had been exhorted to do by the angel of the LORD. And we see Mary and Joseph, caring for Jesus, as they had been called to do through the Angel Gabriel and through the angel in a dream. And finally, we see Mary and Joseph naming Him Jesus as the LORD had commanded.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I prayerfully seek the will of the LORD for me? Do I embrace the LORD’s will for me? Do I allow myself to be an instrument of the LORD in the world?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Only-Begotten Son, Most Holy Spirit, we come to You this day, the fst day of our new year with hearts full of hope, trusting in You and your will for us. Grant that we may prayerfully and constantly seek to discern your will, that we may embrace it freely and enthusiastically, and that we act with love to live into the ones You created us to be and call us to be. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.