I was happy to discover that
my blog was due the day after New Year’s Day because it sounded like an easy
and quick blog to write. Many associations came to my mind—party, countdown,
dropping of the ball, big dinner followed by
a party, midnight, New Year’s eve, ring in the New Year, tradition, and
of course resolutions, and lastly an important Holy Day. I shocked and embarrassed myself that the
most meaningful and important association came last. This made all the previous
associations fade from my thoughts.
January 1 is the feast of the
Motherhood of Mary, our Holy
Mother. Just typing these words astounded me. Mary, Child of the Father,
Mother of Jesus, Mother of the Church, whose members are the body of Christ,
Mary, mother of us all. How Awesome!
Mary is also the Queen of
heaven, Queen of all the saints, both living and deceased. Now I am overcome
with yet another emotion—that I, so sinful, so poor, so ordinary, am a
descendant of such royalty including
the Holy Spirit who lives and breathes in me and all creation!
How appropriate that Mary,
queen of all saints and Mother of our Savior was chosen by the Church to be
celebrated on January 1, the first day of each year, reminding us to honor her
above all saints in heaven.
When we are sad we can find
consolation remembering Our Lady of Sorrows who will send comfort to us just as
her Son comforted her by giving her John as her son. We likewise can find
comfort in sorrow by praying to Mary by a personal prayer to her or by praying
some of the beautiful prayers that have been composed in her honor—the
Memorare, Hail Holy Queen, the Rosary, Hail Mary or one of your own favorite.
By reflecting on this feast
of Mary, I feel called to pray more often to her throughout the day and to
thank God for sharing His Mother with all
God’s children.
Sr. Victoria Eisenman, OSB
