Word Wide Open: The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God (A) - 1/1/23

First Reading (Numbers 6:22-27)

A reading from the Book of Numbers.

The LORD said to Moses:  

“Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:  

This is how you shall bless the Israelites.

Say to them:  

The LORD bless you and keep you!  

The LORD let his face shine upon      

you, and be gracious to you!  

The LORD look upon you kindly and      

give you peace!

So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites,  

and I will bless them.”

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? In what ways can we invoke the Lord’s name to bless others?

Second Reading (Galatians 4:4-7)

A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians. 

Brothers and sisters:

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 as sons.

As proof that you are sons,  

God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,  

crying out, “Abba, Father!”

So you are no longer a slave but a son,  

and if a son then also an heir, through God.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? What is the fullness of time?  How do people know we are sons and daughters of God? 

Gospel (Luke 2:16-21)

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.

 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.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this Gospel reading? What were the messages proclaimed about the child? What are the things Mary kept in her heart?