Christmas III – Mother of God

Christmas III – The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God

_{Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21}

Last year began with one war in the headlines and ends with two wars. The war in Ukraine, begun in February 2022, is no longer a regular feature of the news eclipsed by the war in Gaza, which began three months ago. One war grinds on destructively with no end in sight while another has already changed the Middle East forever.

Seeds are being sown that will reap a harvest of hate and revenge for generations. Meanwhile other conflicts carry on largely unnoticed: civil wars in Sudan and Myanmar, savage gang violence in Haiti. This regrettable human situation is why Pope Paul VI called the church to pray for peace on this first day of the year. His clarion call at the United Nations in 1965: “No more war, war never again!” gone unheeded.

“Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy…on earth peace”. Herod’s massacre of the Bethlehem innocents seems more relevant.

At every Eucharist we pray, Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days… We recall that Jesus said, Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. Moreover, we ask again graciously grant your Church peace and unity in accordance with your will. We are invited to exchange a sign of peace. People wave across church aisles, offer the V for victory sign from World War II. Family members are more prone to hug and kiss. Mundane greetings are exchanged. Some people stand stiff and do not move out of their space.

Peace. Do we have any idea of what peace is beyond good feelings and the cessation of violence? Does the overt ending of violence mean that the resentments, anger, revenge and hatreds lying just below the surface are resolved? Why do we hold on to the past with such tenacity and pass the resentments and hatreds on to another generation? Why do we believe leaders who invite us to sacrifice peace for the sake of an illusory security? When do we all say, “stop!”

Peace seems so illusory. Whether between nations and religions, citizens, fellow Catholics and family members. Might it be that we are so weary that we just want the violence to stop but then never address what caused the violence? The magma of a volcano will always subside but remains deep down in the earth until the next time to erupt with only destruction in hand.

I expect we have much more in common than divides us. Do we talk about the values and points of view we have in common? Do we know how to have a respectful conversation; a conversation grounded in trust? Do we trust each other? Is the lack of trust among us the primary cause of violence that keeps peace at bay?

On the morning of his Resurrection, Jesus offered us peace. Peace is a gift of the risen Christ. Gifts must be received before they can be shared. Have we each accepted the gift of peace that Christ offers? It is also why this gift of peace can be offered to our enemies because it is Christ’s gift we share.

Mary pondered and reflected on much in her heart. Might we do the same?