Episode 2826: Mary, Our Star, and Our Model - Morning Episode

Episode 936: New Year or Circumcision of Christ?

Circumcision was a sacrament of the Old Law, and the first legal observance required of the descendants of Abraham by Almighty God. It was a sacrament of initiation in the service of God, and a promise, an engagement, to believe and act as He had revealed and directed.

The law of circumcision continued in force until the death of Christ. Our Saviour having thus been born under the law, it became Him who came to teach mankind obedience to the law of God, to fulfill all justice, and to submit to it. He was circumcised that He might redeem those who were under the law, by freeing them from the servitude of it, and that those who were formerly in the condition of servants might be set at liberty and receive the adoption of sons in Baptism, which, by Christ's institution, succeeded to circumcision. (Cf. Gal. 4:5)

On the day when the divine Infant was circumcised, He received the name of JESUS, which was assigned to Him by the Angel before He was conceived, and which signifies SAVIOUR. That name, so beautiful, so glorious, the divine Child does not wish to bear for one moment without fulfilling its meaning. Even at the moment of His circumcision He showed Himself a SAVIOUR by shedding for us that blood of which a single drop is more than sufficient for the ransom and salvation of the whole world.

Reflection. Let us profit by the circumstance of the New Year, and of the wonderful renewal wrought in the world by the great mystery of this day, to renew in our hearts an increase of fervor and of generosity in the service of God. May this year be one of fervor and of progress! It will go by rapidly, like the one which has just ended. If God permits us to see its end, how happy we shall be to have passed it in a holy manner!

The dual focus on January 1st as both the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ reflects the rich historical development of the Church's liturgical calendar and its theological priorities. Here's why both aspects are significant:

1. The Circumcision of Christ (Traditional Focus)
Biblical Event: According to Luke 2:21, Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day after His birth, in keeping with Jewish law. This event is significant because:

• It marked Jesus' incorporation into the covenant of Abraham.
• It showed His obedience to the Law of Moses, even though He, as God, was above the law.
• It was the first shedding of His blood, prefiguring His ultimate sacrifice on the Cross.

Traditional Liturgy: Before the 20th century, the Church emphasized the Circumcision of Christ on January 1st, recognizing it as an important step in His mission to fulfill the Law and redeem humanity.

2. The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Modern Emphasis)

Marian Theology: This title, officially declared at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, underscores Mary's role as the Theotokos, or "God-bearer."

The focus on her divine maternity ties directly to the mystery of the Incarnation celebrated during Christmas.

Liturgical Reform: After the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), the Church revised its calendar to emphasize Mary's role in salvation history, particularly on January 1st. The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, was given prominence to highlight:
Her unique role in bringing Christ into the world.

Her example of faith and obedience to God's will.

3. Why Both Titles?

Continuity: In the Traditional Latin Mass and older liturgical calendars, January 1st retains its identity as the Feast of the Circumcision. The focus on this event remains strong in communities dedicated to the 1962 Missal, which was the last version before the liturgical changes of Vatican II.

Complementarity: Both aspects emphasize key truths of the faith:
Christ’s circumcision underscores His full humanity and obedience to the Law.
Mary’s divine maternity highlights her role in the Incarnation and her unique relationship with Jesus.

Conclusion
The Traditional Catholic Church honors January 1st as both the Solemnity of Mary and the Circumcision of Christ because these events are deeply interconnected in the mystery of salvation. While the modern liturgical calendar emphasizes Mary, the traditional calendar ensures that the historical and theological importance of Christ's circumcision is not forgotten. Together, these observances reflect a profound meditation on Christ’s entry into the world and the Blessed Virgin's role in God's plan of redemption.

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Mary, Our Star, and Model of the Church

Today we reflect on the depth and beauty of our Catholic faith. In this episode, we explore the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary as our guide, model, and intercessor, drawing on wisdom from Saint Thomas Aquinas, Pope John Paul II, and the Gospel of Matthew.
Let us begin with prayer:

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Segment 1: Mary, the Star Guiding Us to Heaven

Saint Thomas Aquinas beautifully describes Mary as the star that guides Christians to heaven:

"As mariners are guided into port by the shining of a star, so Christians are guided to heaven by Mary."

This image reminds us of the sailors who, navigating treacherous waters, fix their gaze on the stars to reach safety. In the same way, we can fix our eyes on Mary, the Star of the Sea, to guide us through the storms of life. Her example illuminates the path to her Son, Jesus Christ.

As Catholics, we know that Mary’s role is always to point us to Christ. Her life is a reflection of perfect obedience and love for God. In moments of doubt or trial, when we feel lost or overwhelmed, we are called to turn to her for guidance, knowing that she will always lead us to the safety of Christ's arms.

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Segment 2: Mary, the Model of the Church

Pope John Paul II emphasizes Mary’s unique role within the Church:

"Mary is honored in the Church with special reverence. ... Like Mary, who first believed by accepting the word of God revealed to her at the Annunciation and by remaining faithful to that word in all her trials even unto the Cross, so too the Church becomes a mother when, accepting with fidelity the word of God, 'by her preaching and by baptism she brings forth to a new and immortal life children who are conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of God.'”

This reflection highlights the profound relationship between Mary and the Church. As Mary bore Christ in her womb and nurtured Him, so the Church bears Christ in the hearts of the faithful and nourishes them with the Word and sacraments.

Mary’s faithfulness at the Annunciation, her unwavering trust at the foot of the Cross, and her maternal care for the Apostles at Pentecost make her the Church’s perfect model. When we, as members of the Church, strive to imitate her trust, humility, and obedience, we become true disciples, bearing Christ to the world.

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Segment 3: Trusting in God’s Providence

In Matthew 6:33-34, Christ tells us:

"But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil."

These words call us to trust in God’s providence, a trust perfectly exemplified by Mary. At the Annunciation, when the angel announced God’s plan, Mary responded with her fiat: “Be it done to me according to your word.” She did not know what the future would hold, but she trusted in God’s promise.

Mary’s life teaches us to seek God’s kingdom above all else, leaving behind our worries and trusting in His care. Whether in the joys of the Nativity or the sorrows of Calvary, Mary sought only to fulfill God’s will.

When we are tempted to let fear or anxiety take hold, we can look to Mary’s example and remember that God’s grace is sufficient for each day.

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Segment 4: Lessons for Today
What do these reflections teach us?
• From Saint Thomas Aquinas, we learn that Mary is our guiding star, leading us to Christ.
• From Pope John Paul II, we see Mary as the model of the Church and our spiritual mother, teaching us how to live in faith and obedience.
• From Matthew 6:33-34, we are reminded to trust in God’s providence and seek His kingdom above all else, just as Mary did.

In a world filled with distractions and uncertainties, Mary stands as a beacon of hope, a reminder that our ultimate destination is heaven, and our journey must be marked by faith, trust, and love.
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Conclusion Prayer
Let us conclude with a prayer to Mary, our guide and model:

Hail Mary, Star of the Sea,
Guide us safely through the storms of life to the eternal shores of heaven. Teach us to trust in God’s providence and to seek His kingdom above all else. May we imitate your faithfulness, humility, and love, and may our lives reflect your Son’s light to the world.
Holy Mother of God, intercede for us, that we may always follow the path that leads to Christ. Strengthen us in times of trial, comfort us in our sorrows, and rejoice with us in our triumphs. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

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Thank you for joining us on Faithful Traditions. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Star of the Sea, guide you this week as you seek to grow closer to her Son. Until next time, may God bless you abundantly.