Every new year, we are reminded of superstitions and other practices to welcome it. Some say don’t eat chicken because life will be challenging the following year. Others eat round fruits such as chico, oranges, and grapes and wear clothes with circular designs, believing that when they do that, money will come in. Some jump to welcome the new year, believing that they will grow taller by doing so. And, of course, lighting fireworks to welcome the new year is believed to drive away evil spirits. I will try to do all these things and let you know how it turns out.

 So what is at stake in 2024? Aside from the usual New Year’s resolution to improve on this and stop doing that, we should reflect on ourselves and focus on the things that we would like to improve.

In my case, for example, I will try to be more resourceful, come on time, attend to those in dire need, and spend less so that when next Christmas comes around, I will have enough money for presents for my friends and loved ones.

 Aside from being the first day of the new year, 1 January is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics and other Christians like the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, better known as Aglipayans and Anglicans.

The Gospel on this day shows us the shepherds coming in haste to seek the Child Jesus because they recognized what the angels had announced. Filled with words of admiration and astonishment, marveling, glorifying, praising, and pondering Christmas evokes these same feelings in us. We, too, are eager to take advantage of everything that happened at the stable to savor the Love God wants to pour into our hearts. Today, we do so close to the Mother of God, our mother.

 We honor Mary as the Mother of God, who gave birth to the King, who rules heaven and earth forever. The salvation of the world has begun. The King of the universe had chosen Mary to be His mother. It is a mystery that doesn’t easily fit into our heads or our poor plans. God had counted on the “yes” of a young woman. Our Lady didn’t ask herself why she had been chosen. It was enough for her to know that God wanted it, that it was His will.

 Mary spreads this attitude of admiration around her, in the cribs of yesterday and today. Everything she sees leads her to give thanks. She never stops looking at herself, the problems, and the difficulties. She enjoys the shepherds’ visit, her husband’s affection, and the starry night that was a spectator to this great mystery. And everyone around her shares in this atmosphere of joy. Mary is the best example of God’s actions in men and women who let themselves be loved.

The Blessed Virgin Mary bestowed on the human race the grace of eternal salvation; through her intercession, we receive the Author of Life. Have we asked ourselves: What does it mean to me that Mary is the Mother of God? How do I experience this personally? The Mother of the Redeemer goes before us and continually strengthens us in faith, our vocation, and our mission.

By her example of humility and openness to God’s will, she helps us to transmit our faith in a joyful proclamation of the Gospel to all, without reservation. In this way, our mission will be fruitful because it is modeled on the motherhood of Mary.

May we begin the New Year 2024 with all humility and openness to the grace of God through the intercession of Mary.