Welcome 2012!

— by Lisa Greey

Today most of us find ourselves tired from staying up last night.  Did you watch the ball drop in New York City? Did you hang out with friends and family?  Hopefully in the midst of the fun and partying you took a moment –  or today you can take a moment – to reflect over the past year and look forward to the new one.  The Church already began the new liturgical year on the first Sunday of Advent, but January 1^st brings along it own special celebration in the Church.  It is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

I have made it a habit of taking an ‘end/beginning of the year’, prayer time where I reflect on the things I am grateful for in my life.  Every year I come to the same conclusion – that God is so good and so present in my life.  On this feast of Mary, Mother of God, I find that I can echo the Magnificat as I reflect on the past year and look to the next one.   I want my life to “magnify the Lord” and I want to “rejoice in him” (Luke 1:45-47).  I see how he has provided for me, loved me and “looked with favor” (Luke 1:48) on me – despite my unfaithfulness and sin (which, of course Mary did not have!).  This was a big transition year for me.  I left a job in New Jersey, and applied to jobs all over the east coast.  It was the first time I considered leaving my family and friends.  I interviewed for several positions.  I had a list of what I was looking for in the job and location.  Through all of this I had to trust A LOT.  And in the end I can say God has “done great things for me” (Luke 1:49). He led me to the right job, in the right location, with the right Catholic community.  He exceeded my expectations!

The Magnificat is a great way to end one year and begin another one.  It looks to God’s action in the past – “from generation to generation” (Luke 1:50), and the “promises” (Luke 1:55) made throughout the Old Testament.  How has God worked in your life over the past year?  How has he provided?  How has he satisfied you? What trials did he lead you through?  The Magnificat also looks to the future – as Mary proclaims, “all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48).  How will God show his favor on you in the coming year?  How will you make him known and loved in our world today?  How will he show you his mercy and healing?

Mary the Mother of God, our Mother,

Lead us to your Son in this next year.

Let us follow him, and do whatever he tells us.

Let us proclaim the Magnificat with you.

Amen.