1st Reading: Num 6:22-27
The first reading gives us the solemn priestly blessing, a prayer that God would bless and protect us and be gracious to us.

2nd Reading: Gal 4:4-7
St. Paul tells us about God’s greatest blessings; Jesus, through whom we are made God’s sons, and through whom we can pray,Our Father.

Gospel: Lk 2:16-21
The shepherds hurried to see what the angel had told them; they saw Mary and Joseph and the Child lying in the manger

Reflection
We begin the New Year trusting in the protective love of our Mother Mary ,for as she is the mother of Jesus and so God’s own Mother, she has been given to us as our Mother too. A mother’s love is something that no one can explain. It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain; it is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may, for nothing can destroy it or take that love away. It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking. And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking. Is there any better gift God could have given us at the beginning of the year than the gift of a mother? With the blessings of God and the love of our mother we have nothing to fear in the year 2012.