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Contents: Volume 2 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Epiphany
1. -- Lanie LeBlanc OP -2. -- 3. --
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****************************************************** Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 2026
Our Scriptures bring Good News in a special way as we begin the New Year 2026. Our first reading tells us that our God has blessed us and will continue to bless us. The second reading tells us that we are not slaves but heirs of this God and that God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts. In the Gospel reading, the shepherds remind us what to do with such Good News when we receive it: rejoice and spread that Good News!
Where in our lives do we need to replace our downcast spirits with this Spirit of Hope? Are we chained as slaves to bad habits or wrong attitudes and need to embrace that we are adopted siblings and heirs of the King of Kings? What will we resolve to do that will bring us closer to this wonderful God of ours? Lastly, and importantly, how will we invoke Mary, the Mother of God enfleshed to help us in this task?
Epiphany 2026
Epiphany means a sudden insight, something rather remarkable that will change our view of things. The first reading from the Book of Isaiah pushes us toward embracing a new view of life, one of promise, of light, if you will. It takes courage and significant support to look ahead in this new year to this kind of a change!
Our Gospel story, a familiar one for sure, tells of wise magi following a path by way of a star in the hope of finding someone of promise. They found the presence of God in the Baby Jesus. They, too, had to confront evil in their time in the form of the unscrupulous Herod, revealed to them in a dream. They left to find “another way”.
Navigating our world, then and now, is only done successfully through faith. St. Paul writes of the “stewardship of grace”, of which, I believe, all people have been given a share. It is for everyone. It is the Presence of God within each of us that calls us to believe and share that belief with everyone even in face of disastrous circumstances.
What will be our epiphany moment this year, the time we will see things “new”? How can we balance that hope against the evil that is so prevalent? How can we remain in the light of Christ and follow the path ahead with the blessed assurance we have been given?
Blessings, Dr. Lanie LeBlanc OP Southern Dominican Laity
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****************************************************** ****************************************************** 4. ****************************************************** ****************************************************** 5. ****************************************************** Volume 2 is for you. These reflections follow the Liturgical Calendar and appear here about mid week each week. They are written by various guest authors. If you would like to submit a reflection of your own, then click here to send an email request to post to the Webmaster. Deadline is Monday morning of each week for the upcoming Sunday.
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A service of The Order of Preachers,
The Dominicans. (form revised 10/13/2025) |
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