The first reading tells Moses how the priests are to bless the people. How often do we offer a blessing for those arow1d us? Do parents bless their children each day? Do children bless their parents? I heard a story one time about a woman who lived in a neighborhood in which the homes were being robbed. As she backed out of the drive each day, she would reach out the car window to bless her house and ask God to keep it safe. Her house was the only one in the neighborhood that wasn’t robbed! Many people ask the priest to bless things but do we, as a priestly people, bless each other? Perhaps this New Year is a good time to remember to bless others and ask for their blessings too.
Paul’s letter reminds us we are children of God, heirs to me kingdom. Do we respond as grateful children? Or do we behave like spoiled entitled brats? We remember today Mary as me mother of God. Being a child of God should be a humbling experience. Do we have Mary’s humility?
We have heard the message of Jesus, just as the shepherds did. Do we go forth as me shepherds glorifying and praising God for all we have heard and seen? Or do we keep things to ourselves, saying our faith is a private matter. The Gospel is not intended to be for us as individuals but for us as a community, as a family. Do we share the good news with others?
Countenance of God 