New Year's -- Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, 1/1/04

See final homily here at the OLA website. You can listen, too.

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These were the preliminary notes, posted beforehand:

Note: this homily will be used for New Year's Eve 11:15 pm Mass.

Readings of the Day

Scripture References:

Gospel: Luke 2:16-21
First Reading: Numbers 6:22-27
Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7


See Pope John Paul II, Message for World Day of Peace, 2005.

"This common grammar of the moral law requires ever greater commitment and responsibility in ensuring that the life of individuals and of peoples is respected and advanced. In this light, the evils of a social and political nature which afflict the world, particularly those provoked by outbreaks of violence, are to be vigorously condemned. I think immediately of the beloved continent of Africa, where conflicts which have already claimed millions of victims are still continuing. Or the dangerous situation of Palestine, the Land of Jesus, where the fabric of mutual understanding, torn by a conflict which is fed daily by acts of violence and reprisal, cannot yet be mended in justice and truth. And what of the troubling phenomenon of terrorist violence, which appears to be driving the whole world towards a future of fear and anguish? Finally, how can we not think with profound regret of the drama unfolding in Iraq, which has given rise to tragic situations of uncertainty and insecurity for all?

"To attain the good of peace there must be a clear and conscious acknowledgment that violence is an unacceptable evil and that it never solves problems. "Violence is a lie, for it goes against the truth of our faith, the truth of our humanity. Violence destroys what it claims to defend: the dignity, the life, the freedom of human beings". What is needed is a great effort to form consciences and to educate the younger generation to goodness by upholding that integral and fraternal humanism which the Church proclaims and promotes. This is the foundation for a social, economic and political order respectful of the dignity, freedom and fundamental rights of each person. "

Why don't we, who claim to Catholics, heed this? How would we be different if we did? "Violence destroys what is claims to defend: the dignity, the life, the freedom of human beings." Why do we keep justifying our reposnse to violence with further violence? War? Abortion? Capital punishment? What are the altenatives?