Mary Mother of Our Peace

 Reflection on Today's Readings, the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, Saurday 1st January, 2022
Texts: Num. 6:22-27; Ps. 67:2-3, 5-6.8; Gal. 4: 4-7; Luke 2: 16-21
On the first of January Christians celebrate several festive events. Today is New Year’s Day according to civil calendar and, being the eighth day of the birth of Jesus Christ, we also celebrate the circumcision of Jesus (Luke 2:21). Today is also dedicated to Mary Mother of God. As we begin the year we are to recognise Mary as our mother in Christ. In 1968 Pope Paul VI chose January 1st as the “WORLD DAY OF PEACE.”
Today we are to reflect on Mary the Mother of Peace. Prophet Isaiah tells us thus: "For a child has been born for us, a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (9:6). This prophetic words of Isaiah is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ born of Virgin Mary. This is clear in today's second reading as St. Paul says, "When the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons."
Mary is the Mother of our Peace. Mary is the Mother of our Peace because she gave birth to Jesus Christ in whom our Peace is achieved. St. Paul tells us how Jesus Christ achieved our peace. He says, "For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it" (Eph. 2:14-16). In these words of  St. Paul we now recognise the nature of the peace we have in Jesus Christ: reconciliation with one another and with God. We have no peace until we are reconciled with one another and with God. Jesus Christ, our Peace, reconciled with His enemies. It is said of Him thus: "Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.'” And they cast lots to divide his clothing" (Luke 23:34).
Peace has eluded us in our time because we have failed to reconcile with one another. We refuse to let go, we refuse to forgive, we harbour grudges, hatred, prejudice etc in our hearts. Our world is so divided in our time because we are far from one another and from God. The cause of kidnapping, terrorism, robbery, banditry etc is a lack of brotherly love. This is not less true of corruption and bribery, injustice, human abuse, abuse of power, prejudice, nepotism, tribalism, racism etc. If we are to have peace, we have to reconcile with one another and with God.
The peace of Christ is the peace that is beyond all understanding (Phil.4:7); it is the kind of peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27). We may be in the midst of troubles, we will experience calmness, we will remain undisturbed. It is said, "For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever. They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord. Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes (Ps. 112: 6-8).
Jesus Christ is always willing to give us peace, for He says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Mtt. 11:29-30). He has invited us to come for peace, it is now left for us to make a move towards Him.
Scripture tells us how to obtain the peace of Christ.
God gives those who keep His law peace. It is said, "Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble" (Ps. 119:165).
 God gives peace to those who trust in Him. This is clear in the prophetic words of Isaiah: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you" (26:3).
St. Paul tells us that God gives peace when we pray. He says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil.4:6-7).
St. Paul also tells us that we will have peace if we allow the spirit to govern our lives. He puts it thus: "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace" (Rom. 8:6).
We are also asked to turn away from evil that we may have peace. It is said, "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it" (Ps. 34:14).

Dear God, as I read your Holy Word, help me to feel supernatural peace and comfort flood my heart and mind. I have been so worried and anxious and have forgotten to turn to you for strength. Today I lay my worries and struggles at your feet and ask for your peace that passes understanding. Thank you, God, for loving me and for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen. (Copied from www.Christian.com).

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU; MAY THE PEACE OF CHRIST GUARD YOUR HEART THROUGHOUT THIS YEAR, 2022. AMEN

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke