It is 1st January 2018. We celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Wishing you all a grace-filled, joyful and blessed New Year 2018. May you all be blessed all through out the New Year with the maternal love and care of our Beloved Mother Mary. As Jesus was guided by Mary our Mother, let us all be assured by her intercession and wisdom-filled guidance through all the days of this brand-new year. The Church wants us to begin the year with Mary. She is not only the Mother of God but also she is the Mother of the Church and of us all. With Mary, we will surely reach Jesus in every moment that unfolds in this life. As we begin the new year, let us implore the intercession of our Beloved Mother Mary. The Church firmly affirms the dogma that Mary is the Mother of God right at the onset of the year. It is the birth of Christ Jesus that marks the new beginning for the world and for each one of us. We are so abundantly blessed by God so as to become a blessing to the people around. The readings are from Numbers 6:22-27; the second reading is from Galatians 4:4-7; and the Gospel from Luke 2:16-21. As the people of God set out to journey towards the Promised Land, God offers the following blessing to God’s people. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” (Num.6:23). God gives us the same blessing through the Church for us as we begin a new year. The responsorial Psalm prays, “May God bless us in His mercy.” (Ps.67:2). St. Paul reminds us that Jesus was born of Mary and therefore he was the same as we are. It is through our faith in the incarnation of Jesus, we have become the children of God. The Gospel encourages us to accept the Good News communicated through simple Shepherds led by the angels. Let us truly engage ourselves this year spreading the love of Jesus through our merciful and peaceful acts. This is a fresh start indeed to leave the past behind and look towards the Lord Jesus in the manger. We may not understand the deep meaning of the incarnation of the Lord, yet we can humbly submit ourselves in reflecting in our hearts like that of Mary. Let out time of contemplation on the Word of God be increased this year, and let we expand the horizons of charity and purity beyond the boarders of our comfort zones. May God bless each one of you as you enter into New Year 2018. Praying and wishing you all God’s blessings. Keep me in your prayers too.