Thoughts to live by: World Day of Prayer for Peace

Readings —

Numbers 6:22-27

Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

Galatians 4:4-7

Luke 2:16-21

Some notes on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and the World Day of Prayer for Peace

1. World Day of Prayer for Peace

Today is the World Day of Prayer for Peace, established by Pope St. Paul VI in 1967. Since then, topics have included the United Nations, human rights, diplomacy, and economic development.

This year, 2025, Pope Francis selected the theme: “Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace.” It reflects the Jubilee Year’s focus on forgiveness, penance, and conversion. The Pope emphasized that peace begins with conversion, starting with changes in attitudes within families, communities, and nations.

During World War I, the Virgin Mary appeared to the children of Fatima with a message of penance and peace. Pope Benedict XV later added the title Our Lady of Peace to the Litany of Loreto, a title dating back to 16th-century France. 

2. Mary’s Divine Motherhood

Known as Theotokos (God-bearer), this title has been used since the 3rd century in the Syriac tradition and the 4th century in the Liturgy of St. James.

The Council of Ephesus (431 AD) formally declared Mary as Theotokos because Jesus is both God and Man—one divine person with two natures, human and divine, united in a hypostatic union.

The Council, led by Cyril of Alexandria, denounced Nestorius, the Patriarch of Constantinople, as heretical for calling Mary only Christotokos (Christ-bearer).

3. Oldest Hymn to Mary

The oldest preserved hymn dedicated to Mary, Mother of God, is “Sub tuum praesidium” (Under your protection). Prayed and sung for 16 centuries, it continues to express devotion to Mary’s intercession.

4. 1st Reading, Nm. 6:22-27 — The Priestly Blessing

“The Lord said to Moses. Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them. This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them (vv. 22-23): ‘The Lord bless and keep you! The Lord let his face upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace’” ( vv. 24-26). “So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites and I will bless them” (v. 27).

The Hebrew word “shalom” includes the idea of happiness, good health, prosperity, friendship—a complete well-being. The greeting is a prayer that all these things be granted upon the one being greeted.

5. 2nd Reading, Galatians 4:4-7

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption” (vv. 4-5).

Paul uses the word “woman” to indicate that Jesus, indeed, is born a true man. As a man, Jesus has the ability to redeem us from the bondage of sin. “As proof that you are children, God sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ So that you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God” (vv. 6-7). That we are children of God is the gift of the Spirit of Christ. 

6. Gospel, Lk. 2:16-21 — The Visit of the Shepherds and the Child’s Circumcision

The shepherds go down from the hills to verify what the angel had told them. They find Mary and Joseph and the infant lying in the manger. They reveal to Mary and Joseph what the angel had told them. The child “is the Messiah and Lord.” Mary keeps “all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (vv. 16-19). Mary is overwhelmed by the revelations of the angel Gabriel and the shepherds. She does not understand. So she ponders them in her heart. Meanwhile, the shepherds leave, “glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard” (v. 20). When 8 days are completed for the child’s circumcision, he is named Jesus, the name the angel gave (v. 21).

7. Prayer — Sub Tuum Praesidium

We fly to thy protection, O holy Mother of God; do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin. 

Final Blessing:

May our Loving God, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of God, pour down his blessings upon you and on all your loved ones in the New Year, 2025!

Prayers, best wishes, God bless!