Monday, 1st January, Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Luke 2:16–21
So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Reflection
• I give thanks to God who starts anew with me in all the stages and circumstances of my life.
• I thank God for being always present for me in Jesus. With him we look forward eagerly to being sharers throughout 2018 in a confident message of faith, of peace and of hope for our world.