Thursday 1st of January
Mary, Mother of God
“They are to call down my name on the sons of Israel, and I will bless them.’
Numbers 6:22-27
Today, we begin a new year, 2026, under the patronage of Mary, Mother of God. In Mary, God chose a dwelling place among humanity, and we are called to imitate her as we also invite and welcome Jesus into our own hearts. Our reading today is a beautiful prayer of blessing, that we can pray for ourselves and others as we begin this new year, on this day which is also the World Day of Peace.
As we reflect on this passage, we may ask, how do we welcome peace? How do we receive the Lord’s look of kindness and grace? Do we come to him humbly, and open to receive his word, which wants to dwell in us? May he, the Prince of Peace, look kindly upon us today and bring peace to our hearts, families, communities, and world.