NEW YEAR MESSAGE
Numbers 6:22–27; Psalm 64; Galatians 4:4–7; Luke 2:16–21
1. God instructs Moses to bless the people in his name (Numbers 6:22–27). Using his words on this first day of the year (2024), may the Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord will make his face shine upon you! The Lord will be gracious to you and your household! The Lord will reveal his face to you and bring you peace. This is your year and season, and you will shine through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
2. Today, the church celebrates the solemnity of Mary, the “Mother of God.” This is the greatest title for Mary. It was termed “Theotokos” in Greek, which means “the God-bearer.” By conception and delivery of the God-made man, Mary is celebrated as the Mother of God. If we believe that Jesus is God, then Mary is the Mother of God (Luke 2:16-21). Many arguments have been projected to silence this well-meaning title of Mary; however, the Church still stands by her faith and revelation. Hence, we continue to pray it in the second part of the Hail Mary, “Holy Mary, mother of God.”
3. On this day, the Church also celebrates the 57th World Day of Peace. In his message for the World Day of Peace 2024, titled “Artificial Intelligence and Peace,” Pope Francis lauded the advancement in science and technology and the vast and fast application of AI in many sectors of life. However, he challenges us to express a positive world view. That is, like never before, we must now be responsible and respectful. For him, Artificial Intelligence should not destroy our fundamental human values, such as “inclusion, transparency, security, equity, privacy, and reliability.” Therefore, he hopes that “the rapid development of forms of artificial intelligence will not increase cases of inequality and injustice all too present in today’s world, but will help put an end to wars and conflicts and alleviate many forms of suffering that afflict our human family.” Beloved, Peace is not one man’s business, but everybody’s business. If there is no peace, all we have and labor for will be torn into pieces. If we desire peace, we can achieve it, but if we disregard peace, we shall live to regret it. Of what relevance is our intelligence if it does bring us peace?
5. Lastly, this New Year offers us another opportunity to express sincere faith, love, and charity in order to make the world a better place and gain salvation for our souls. No doubt there are anxieties, but remain steadfast and hopeful, resist evil deeds, and renounce pseudo-Christianity, neo-paganism, sexually pervasive behaviors, syncretism, and idolatry that are prevalent in our time. Resolve to be good, holy, and true, and be firm about your amends.
Happy New Year!
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
