David Coverly from Creators Syndicate writes the following:
God:
Whew! I just created a 24-hour period of alternating light and darkness on Earth.
Angel:
What are you going to do now?
God:
Call it a day.
In our Old Testament reading from Numbers, the people Israel finally set out for the promised land. They had been at the base of Mt. Sinai for approximately a year. During that one-year period, the people were being formed into a society, a nation, as children of God. Structure was being introduced by forming the military, the priestly class, the educators, etc. — all would serve a purpose, and all would benefit from God’s protection and his generosity. In this reading God prepares a special blessing upon the tribes of Israel.
In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, Paul reminds us that Jesus was born into our humanity, in order for all of humanity not to be enslaved by their sins. Basically, He (Jesus), is giving us a way out of enslavement by the forgiveness of our sins, in order for us to live fully by our new inherited freedom. Free as adopted children of God.
In the Gospel of Luke, we hear of God’s message being delivered by an angel to shepherds (simple folk), not to whom you might expect. The shepherds go directly to Bethlehem and reveal the message to Mary and Joseph, that their new-born child is the Messiah and Lord. The shepherds have played an important role in making the message known.
Older Catholics would remember this holy day as the circumcision of the Lord. The circumcision of Jesus is important because it symbolizes his official incorporation into Israel. Jesus is now considered an “insider,” one who has come to save his people. His given name is important. It means, “God saves,” describing not only who he is, but also what he does. It was in 1969, that the holy day’s name was changed to the Solemnity of Mary, meaning Mary’s divine maternity.
On Thursday at 8:00 a.m. I was watching the fireworks on tv from Australia as 2021 officially entered in. I wonder, what will 2021 be like? Hopefully different than 2020!
Will Rogers once said: “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.”
We call a birth after a pregnancy, a “delivery.” When Mary delivered Jesus, we see “delivery” as a “transfer,” or a “handing over.” She delivers to us the “deliverer!”
Whatever 2021 ends up bringing us, may we place our trust in the one who truly delivers us. Believe that we are God’s adopted children. And live under God’s protection and generosity.
Amen!