From today’s Scripture: “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”—Lk 2:19

Last night, many of us spent time remembering 2025. The family celebrations and heartaches. The people we have lost. The achievements we made. The events in our world, both good and bad. We went to bed hoping 2026 would be better and filled with blessings.

Today we begin the New Year celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. A joyful beginning it is. Our Gospel reading takes us to the manger in Bethlehem where we find the Holy Family and the shepherds. If we listen closely, we can hear the excited shepherds sharing the glorious message they heard, the song of heaven telling the good news of the birth of our Savior. We see Mary quietly listening to what they are saying, allowing each word and moment to be enveloped into her heart. Her heart contains many memories to reflect on, some joyful, some sorrowful, and some hard to understand.

What memories and moments do I hold in my heart?  Do I only dwell in the difficult times or do I allow myself also to relish in the joyful times?

As we reflect upon our past and our hopes for the New Year, let us seek God’s plan and guidance.

Let us pray: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Today’s author is Sister Darlene Presley, Mother Superior of the Glenmary Sisters.

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