The Mother

Weekly Missionary Reflection
Sunday, 01 January 2023
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
The World Day of Peace
Num. 6:22-27; Ps. 67:2-3,5,6,8; Gal. 4:4-7; Luk. 2:16-21

Whenever a child is born, people will look up to the mother. Sometimes they also look up to the father. On the first day of 2023, we look up to Mary, who just bore her Child. As on the calendar of the Church, we also celebrate “The Solemnity Mary, Mother of God”. Next, we will hear the Nazarene Teacher’s word praising His mother with “the one who hears the word of God and observes it”. This refers to the conversation between Joseph’s fiancee, Mary, with the Heavenly Messenger, when she was announced to be the Mother of Messiah and the girl said “Yes”. How we thank the Virgin Mary with that answer, as by her humility and willingness we are all saved from sin. From Pope Pius IX we learned that because of her obedience our Mother is conceived without sin. Within this frame, it is right that on the first day of 2023 we are asked to have a deeper faith in the Son of Mary, our Saviour. If we have believed in the union of Mary and her Son, thus calling her “the Mother of God, then we should give devotion to Mary, in her relationship with Jesus, the Son, our Redeemer.

Num. 6:22-27 reminds us of the Old Testament that highlights God’s Covenant to save humans from sins since the time of Aaron. The Israelites were reminded to be fully faithful to God who has long promised to protect and arrange human life endlessly. It continued throughout the whole journey in the Old Testament. God never neglects His people, despite any hard situation.

In Gal. 4:4-7  Paul expressed his faith and shared it with Christ’s disciples that the Son of Mary truly brought salvation. This attitude of Paul would strengthen the disciples of Christ, in the midst of the ups and downs of human pilgrimage in the world. Thus the faith of the Christians is affirmed: no doubt in the union of Mary and Jesus. Later we will find the affective feeling in the letters to the Galatians in believing the Redeemer.

Luke 2:16-21 describes to us how the faith in Jesus Christ, how the modest people welcomed Mother Mary and St. Joseph in the union with the Redeemer.

However, Mother Mary did not show off having this role, instead, she humbly kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. We learn from her how faith touches our hearts and that we could wholeheartedly welcome Mary as the Mother of God. This name unites our faith with Mary. Let us begin this New Year by renewing our faith with the prayer: “The Apostles’ Creed” and “Hail Mary”

(RP. B.S. Mardiatmadja, SJ – Lecturer of STF Driyarkara)

DAILY DEDICATED PRAYER

Lord, our Father, I present my today prayer, thought, word, work, joy, and sorrow in unity with Your Son, Jesus Christ, who always presents Himself in the Eucharist for the salvation of the world. May the Holy Spirit animating Jesus, also be my guidance and strength today so that I am ready to be the witness of Your love.

Together with St. Mary, Mother of Jesus, and the Church, in particular, I present my prayer for our Pope and apostle prayer of Indonesian Church of this month:

For the purpose of Universal Churches: The educators

We pray for the educators, may they become a trusted testimony, teaching brotherhood rather than competition, and helping the youngest and most susceptible.

For the purpose of Indonesian Churches: Optimism and hope

We pray, may this new year be a time of grace, that encourages us to be optimistic, believe, and hope that the Spirit of God will guide and open our eyes to see opportunities and solutions in any adversities, problems, and challenges we are facing.

Amen