New Year Message

 

The joy of life is full when there is purpose for it.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God, January 1st, 2024
Texts: Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67:2-3,56,8; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21

                                             New Year Message

Something kept me thinking after New Year Eve. At the shouting of ‘Happy New Year’ I could see that joy enveloped the people; they burst into dancing. Their joy was visible as it radiated on their faces and filled everywhere: the drumming, singing and dancing were lively and the people were in high spirit. Before the shouting of ‘Happy New Year’, some people could not hide their joy as they rolled on the floor. While going I listened to a radio channel which reported the same situation from different places. This raised the question: Why are people happy? 

Many of us were born into the culture; it is like we are already programmed to be happy as another year dawns on us. In this case we are just happy that we witness another year, without purpose. This shows that there is joy in living; intrinsically life is joyful. However, the joy of life is full when there is purpose for it. This is clear in St. Paul’s words: “For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me” (Phil. 1:21-22). Those who are also dead are not in anyway at disadvantage.  

Our joy then will be the opportunity to save our souls

Could it be that we are happy because dying the previous year would have meant loss of eternal life? In that case this year will mean for us an opportunity to work out our salvation. Our joy then will be the opportunity to save our souls. However, it might not be that dying would have meant loss of eternal life but living means more good. Living means for us fruitful labour, just like St. Paul.  
Some people are happy because they see their witnessing the New Year as a victory. In spite of all the challenges in the previous year, they are still standing. Similar way of seeing the New Year is seeing it as a favour, sign of God’s love and care. This awareness of God’s love and care or favour should inspire us to live good life. Such awareness could align us with the will of God.  

As we begin the New Year we are to be blessing to our neighbours. Hence, today’s first reading centres on blessing. We celebrate Virgin Mary as the Mother of God today because is a blessing to humanity. She is a model of faith, instructor, intercessor and guidance to us. We are to journey with her in the year as we pray our Rosary daily. We are to call on her when the journey is tough. She is also our mother. This is clear in today’s second reading. We are adopted sons and daughters by our faith in Jesus Christ. We are adopted sons and daughters of His Father and mother.  

We also celebrate World’s Peace, today. This reminds us to seek peace in the Year. Jesus Christ teaches us that peacemakers are the children of God (Mt. 5: 9).  

Prayer 

O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary bestowed on the human race the grace of eternal salvation, grant, we pray, that we may experience the intercession of her, through whom we were found worthy to receive the author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke