January 1, 2018 Monday, SOLEMNITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Numbers 6:22-27

Psalm 67

Galatians 4:4-7

Luke 2:16-21

“The Lord bless you and keep you!”  Numbers 6:24 

And Mary treasured all these things, pondered on them in her heart.  Lk 2:19

Lord, your mother certainly had a lot to ponder.  She was a new mom, far from home and family support.  As a teenager she had to learn quickly how to care for a baby.  The shepherds came to worship the child amid the songs of angels.  In her memory she also held onto the words of Gabriel that her baby is special and will be a great king and sit on the throne of David.  Lord, as the New Year of 2018 begins today there is much for me to treasure and ponder too.  I am grateful for how you have blessed me this past year.  I look forward with excitement at how you will bless me and my family in the coming year.  How will you challenge me to grow in faith?  How will you use me as your instrument to proclaim the good news of your love by word and deed?  And what surprise blessings will seemingly come out of nowhere to remind me of how much you care about me?  Lord, help me to ponder and treasure each day all that you want to do in my life.  Amen