January 1, 2017 THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

Numbers 6:22-27

Psalm 67

Galatians 4:4-7

Luke 2:16-21

The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!  Numbers 6:26

God sent his Son, born of a woman… Galatians 4:4

Lord, here I am at the end of another year and the beginning of 2017.  Looking back over last year I have experienced joys and sorrows, made good and poor choices and my faith has had its ups and downs.  Through the past 12 months you have been with me as you promised.  I ask myself, have I come closer to you or not over the past year?  Have I grown in my acceptance of you desires for me?  How have I lived out the vocation you have called me to?  Has my love of you and my neighbor increased?  Whatever the answers, you are the same as you were a year ago.  You continue to invite me closer to yourself.  You never give up on me.  Lord, thank you for all the graces, blessings and gifts you have showered upon me.  While I can’t change my past I know in my heart that you still love me and only want the best for me.  Help me, Jesus, to be at peace this day and to be grateful for every day.  Amen.