Luke 2:16–21

Blurbs by Rev.Fr. Pete Literal

As we begin a new year, we do so under the loving gaze of Mary, the Mother of God. On this first day of the year, we pray for peace, hope, and abundant blessings, asking Mary’s powerful intercession as we journey forward as Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year.

In today’s Gospel, the shepherds hurry to Bethlehem, encounter the Christ Child, and return glorifying God. Mary, meanwhile, treasures all these things and reflects on them in her heart. Together, they show us how to begin the New Year: with eager faith, attentive hearts, and a willingness to let God guide our lives.

By our baptism, our calling has been clear from the start. We are children of God and disciples of Jesus Christ, called to witness the Good News through lives shaped by faith, hope, and love. As a community of growing disciples, we are invited to renew our commitment as mission partners of Jesus and the Filipino ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore by living and proclaiming the Gospel with fresh ardor, new methods, and meaningful expressions—reaching out especially to those who feel distant from the Church.

Like the shepherds, may we be amazed again by God’s saving love. Like Mary, may we reflect on how God is already at work in our lives and respond with trust. May this New Year draw us into a deeper, more transforming faith that brings hope to all.