Homily for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

We gather today to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus, and to recognize her as the Mother of the eternal Son of God. She is indeed the Mother of God and our Blessed Mother.

Mary's life, though pure, took on a deeper meaning when she accepted the opportunity to bear Jesus. She responded to the angel Gabriel by saying, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word."

These words of Mary hold the key to the deeper meaning we all seek. Our lives will gain deeper significance only when we, like Mary, turn our lives over to God. Only by allowing Jesus to be born in our hearts and souls can we move toward our true purpose. Today, we echo Mary's words to God: "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord."

For those who strive to grow in faith, it is clear that doing the will of God and opening our hearts and souls to His love and grace is the only path to true fulfillment in life. By allowing Jesus to be born within us, we can find this fulfillment.

Opening our hearts to God requires trust that He will accompany us as we seek to answer His call and fulfill His will. It was Mary’s trust in the goodness, love, and presence of God that enabled her to open her heart and soul to His requests. We aspire to that same trust in our own lives, and we ask Mary to teach us through her example and prayers on our behalf.

As we start a new year, we are reminded of fresh beginnings. Many people make resolutions to improve various aspects of their lives. Perhaps this year, we can commit to trusting in the Lord more, opening our hearts and souls, and living according to His will.

When we open ourselves up as Mary did, we may one day find ourselves praying as she prayed: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. For behold, from this day all generations will call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name. God has thrown down the rulers but lifted up the lowly; the hungry He has filled with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty."