I hope we all remembered the plenary indulgences for the last and first days of the year. I did. :)
I attended the 12 am Mass for January 1, the Feast of Mary, Mother of God at Incarnate Word in Chesterfield. Bishop Herman celebrated Mass. Before Mass, there was Benediction, Rosary and Adoration.
The music was accompanied by a piano.
Opening: Song of Mary
Offertory: What Child is This
Communion: Magnificat, God's Family (winner of the cheesiest song award)
Closing: Sing of Mary
Homily:
On this first day of the year, we celebrate the Feast of the Mother of God. Early Church called Mary, Theotokos, Mother of God. Jesus on the Cross says to John, behold your mother, to Mary he says behold your son. It is right to ask the intercession of Mary. We need those blessings. In the first reading, Moses and Aaron could not imagine the Father living in our midst and dying on the Cross for our salvation. St. Paul mentions how we were born under the law so that we may be adopted under the law. We become God's adopted children. We are God's beloved children. The love comes to fruition in the Crib. Mary was piecing things together. Why would God do this? How marvelous is His love and compassion for us. At the circumcision, Simeon said a sword would pierce Mary's heart. Mary did not understand but treasured these words in her heart. She pieced it together and it came together for her on the Cross. The events have begun to make sense. The Passion was to save us from sin. Our world needs a mother. The world needs to know its Redeemer if it is to be saved. Atheists hate Christians. If Christians are right, they have to change and they don't want to. At the miracle at Cana, Mary tells the servants to do whatever He tells you. Live the Gospel joyfully. Be a light unto other. At her apparitions, Mary asked us to stop offending God. For my prayers to be effective, they must change me to effect other people.
The Bishop used Eucharistic Prayer III and there were no bells.
Pictures
View From the Back Pew
Annunciation
Mother and Child
Nativity
Pentecost
Risen Jesus
Station VIII
Links:
Website of Incarnate Word
Pictures from Rome of the West
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