Solemnity of the Mother of God

The feast day of Mary Mother of God is celebrated on the Octave Day of Christmas. The title “Mother of God” goes back to the third or fourth century, but the Greek term Theotokos (“The God-bearer”) was officially consecrated as Catholic doctrine at the Council of Ephesus in 431, thus becoming the first Marian dogma.  Jesus is truly Son of God and Son of Mary.

In the first reading from the book of Numbers (6:22-27) God gives to Moses a formula of blessing that Aaron is to use in the blessing of the people “May the Lord bless you and keep you.  May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord uncover his face and bring you peace.” In the second reading (Galatians 4:4-7) we are reminded that when “the appointed time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman” while the Gospel (Luke 2:16-21) we hear of the visit of the shepherds who had been sent by the message of the angels to find the Christ child “Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.”