January 1, 2026, Luke 2:16-21
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010126.cfm
The Shepherd Went in Haste.
Peace be with you, everyone, and Happy New Year. A few weeks ago, I had surgery on five discs in my neck. I couldn’t wait to call my family to let them know it was successful. What a relief to know they were at peace.
Think of a time when you couldn’t wait to tell someone about something that happened to you. Who did you tell? What was their reaction? Were they like you, excited? I can imagine the phones ringing, telling everyone.
The shepherds’ joy at meeting the newborn King was infectious. They couldn’t keep this good news to themselves, and their excitement inspired everyone who heard their story.
Then St. Luke shows us Mary reflecting on Jesus’ life.
He invites us to share in her deep love and reverence as she treasures these moments of her Son’s coming in her heart.
Mary pondered these events in her heart, along with the struggles she and Joseph experienced getting to Bethlehem and finding a stable for Jesus to be born. There was no room for Jesus in the hearts of the people who owned the Inns,
But for now, it was sufficient for Mary’s heart to reflect on all she couldn’t understand yet still treasured day after day.
Dear friends, go to your Mother Mary. She is the bearer of Immanuel, God with us. One of the last things Jesus did before He bowed His head on the cross and died was to say to His Mother, kneeling beside John, “Behold your son.”
Jesus can’t wait for you to go to His Mom so she can reveal how much He loves you and is with you through all the joys and sorrows of life. After you receive Jesus this morning, go to the quiet part of your heart and share with Jesus what your heart is bearing. Let Him carry it with you as you go through your day.
Then, take a moment each day to share with her and Jesus what is going on in your heart. Don’t speak words with your mind; feel and experience the happy or sad event. Invite them to bear it with you.
You will be amazed, each time, like the shepherds, at what you will see and hear. It blows my mind every morning I share my life with Mother Mary and Jesus. And the best part, I am with them, and they are with me the rest of the day.
Every day will be a Happy Day throughout the year, spending it with Jesus and Mary.
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
January 1, 2026, Luke 2:16-21
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010126.cfm
The Shepherd Went in Haste.
Peace be with you, everyone, and Happy New Year. A few weeks ago, I had surgery on five discs in my neck. I couldn’t wait to call my family to let them know it was successful. What a relief to know they were at peace.
Think of a time when you couldn’t wait to tell someone about something that happened to you. Who did you tell? What was their reaction? Were they like you, excited? I can imagine the phones ringing, telling everyone.
The shepherds’ joy at meeting the newborn King was infectious. They couldn’t keep this good news to themselves, and their excitement inspired everyone who heard their story.
Then St. Luke shows us Mary reflecting on Jesus’ life.
He invites us to share in her deep love and reverence as she treasures these moments of her Son’s coming in her heart.
Mary pondered these events in her heart, along with the struggles she and Joseph experienced getting to Bethlehem and finding a stable for Jesus to be born. There was no room for Jesus in the hearts of the people who owned the Inns,
But for now, it was sufficient for Mary’s heart to reflect on all she couldn’t understand yet still treasured day after day.
Dear friends, go to your Mother Mary. She is the bearer of Immanuel, God with us. One of the last things Jesus did before He bowed His head on the cross and died was to say to His Mother, kneeling beside John, “Behold your son.”
Jesus can’t wait for you to go to His Mom so she can reveal how much He loves you and is with you through all the joys and sorrows of life. After you receive Jesus this morning, go to the quiet part of your heart and share with Jesus what your heart is bearing. Let Him carry it with you as you go through your day.
Then, take a moment each day to share with her and Jesus what is going on in your heart. Don’t speak words with your mind; feel and experience the happy or sad event. Invite them to bear it with you.
You will be amazed, each time, like the shepherds, at what you will see and hear. It blows my mind every morning I share my life with Mother Mary and Jesus. And the best part, I am with them, and they are with me the rest of the day.
Every day will be a Happy Day throughout the year, spending it with Jesus and Mary.
Peace be with you.
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