1st January Mary the Mother of God year A 2026

And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. (Lc 2,19)

As we stand on the threshold of 2026, pondering the wonder of new beginnings, we turn toward Mary, the God-bearer, the woman who taught the world how to say yes with her whole life.

Mary knew what it meant to cradle the impossible. She held infinity in her arms, nursed eternity at her breast, and walked dusty roads with divinity learning to toddle along beside her. What blessed audacity! What holy courage! What great marvel!

Dear God-bearer, teach us your art of carrying mystery without demanding explanations. Show us how to let the impossible take root in our everyday lives.

The new year arrives like that ancient angel trembling with promise and asking: Will you? Can you? The invitation comes not to a palace but to the humble dwelling place of your heart and mine. Lend your voice to that of Mary as she whispers across the centuries: Let it be. Let it become.

She stands before us, this Mother of new life, reminding us that God still chooses the unlikely, the overlooked, the tender-hearted who dare to believe. She asked Jesus to bless the wine at Cana and today she asks her Son to bless our empty vessels also.

So begins this New Year. As Mary began her journey—with wonder, willingness and a soul that magnifies the Holy One, let our lives become a dwelling place. Filled with divine possibilities.

Like her Son, the God-bearer awaits your yes.

Let us join with Mary our Mother and with her say: Yes, let it be so. Amen. Alleluia!

By Fr. Thomas O'Brien a.a.